Aidan La Poche's "Daughters of The Ruling Class," a full-length play, premieres in collaboration with OUTSIDE THE BOX AMUSEMENTS LTD. (OTBA) at their new nightlife venue, The 303, situated beneath The Stranger NYC. The production will run from September 17th through 19th.
"Daughters of the Ruling Class" is a comedic drama that plunges audiences into the opulent yet perilous world of a group of friends who happen to be the children of the world's wealthiest and most powerful elite. As they prepare for the Willshire Ball, an event of unparalleled social significance, their meticulously curated existences begin to disintegrate in the face of an impending cosmic cataclysm. Set against the backdrop of a world descending into metaphorical and literal darkness, this theatrical piece serves as a crucible for exploring the intricate complexities of power dynamics, the often violent nature of desire, and the ethical dilemmas that arise at the intersection of privilege and morality.
THE DAUGHTERS:
OLIVIA. The New Girl.
ANGELICA. The Leader.
CORNELIA. The Moral Compass.
LEONORA. THE SELF-ABSORBED ONE.
MADELINE. THE KIND ONE
MARGINA. THE TRUTH-TELLER.
BRIDGIT. THE ONE WHO’S GRIEVING.
The play also features a Quartet, which serves as both accompaniment and helpers throughout the performance.
The narrative commences with the emergence of interpersonal tensions as Olivia, a recent addition to the social circle, challenges Angelica's established leadership by proposing alternative sartorial choices for the impending ball. As the drama unfolds, more profound issues surface, including rationalistic inquiries of privilege, social responsibility, and the ramifications of the ongoing crisis on their insulated lives.
A pivotal moment occurs when news of a fatality reaches the group, catalyzing fear and igniting a debate about their own security and the underlying causes of such violence. The dramatic tension escalates further when Cornelia posits the necessity of sacrificing elements of their opulent lifestyle to address global inequity, forcing heated philosophical arguments about personal accountability and the nature of sacrifice in a world of extreme disparity.
Structured in 5 chapters, the play will feature costumes by independent New York-based designers. Amanda Tabot and the label Zepherina are engaged in designing various chapters, employing fashion as a narrative device to amplify the thematic elements of the production. Their designsn be unveiled throughout the piece, allowing the play to function concurrently as a fashion presentation and a theatrical experience.
The play is staged in The 303, a nightlife venue, which creates a unique atmosphere and challenges traditional theater settings. Additionally, La Poche elevates costume design to an integral storytelling element. This integration of theater, fashion, and unconventional space, offers audiences a new experience, and La Poche's work demonstrates how theater can evolve to engage viewers in new ways while still being a full-length interesting play.