Written by Noah Haidle Directed by Arya Shahi

Rokovoko was written specifically for this ensemble by Noah Haidle (Birthday Candles, Mr. Marmalade) and is directed by Arya Shahi (Water for Elephants, English).

Description: Rokovoko is a surreal political satire set inside the soul of a young woman whose inner world becomes the site of an unexpected invasion. After a seemingly harmless BuzzFeed quiz begins mining her personal data, algorithmic “Disney princesses” appear on Connor LaBonte’s "inner island" and begin reshaping her fears, desires, and beliefs. As absurdity collides with moments of startling realism, the play reveals how media, technology, and political messaging quietly work to colonize our inner lives. Through a highly theatrical ensemble staging that blends comedy, movement, and music, Rokovoko shows us the importance of reclaiming our personal authority in an insidious digital age.

Starring: Abigail Purvis, Asal Azari, Ella Freeman, George Wright, Kaylee Ardinger, Lorelei Calder & Paige Meegan

Creative Team: Scenic Design by Jessie Baldinger Costume Design by Brynne Oster-Bainnson Lighting Design by Mary Ellen Stebbins Sound Design by Ben Truppin-Brown Composed by Nina Ross aka. SOFTEE Choreographed by Sunny Min-Sook Hitt Intimacy & Violence by Alex Taylor Stage Managed by Kat Rivera Assistant Stage Managed by Megan Zammit Assistant Directed by Clark Worden

Content Transparency: Rokovoko contains mature language, blackouts, occasional loud sounds, and strobe effects.

Playwrights Horizons Theatre School recognizes the importance of the mental and emotional well-being of all our audience members and is committed to sharing information about topics and/or sensory experiences which people may find distressing in advance of attending our productions or events.

Rokovoko contains some mature content and themes including:

• Political extremism, propaganda, and xenophobia

• Gun and knife violence, and references to armed conflict, militarization, and torture

• Graphic violence, including onstage death and blood 

• Mentions of sexual violence (not depicted onstage), including references to rape

• Mentions of abortion, pregnancy, and threats toward children and infants

• Addiction and substance abuse, including alcohol and prescription pain medication

• Colonization, cultural erasure, and oppression

• Profanity and explicit language

If you have any specific questions about content, age-appropriateness, or stage effects not listed that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact Emily Abrams at eabrams@phnyc.org