Unveiling the systems by which online-based hate communities access and indoctrinate young boys, Theatre Works and Paracosm presents Blackpill. at the Explosives Factory from 16 April 2025.
In radical men’s rights and Incel communities, devotion to the cause is measured in pills. A comforting delusion, a false hope. The naive belief that kindness, empathy, and respect will be rewarded. A blissful ignorance of the harsh realities of the hyper-woke, feminist-controlled world, unaware of one’s own oppression – this is the BLUE PILL.
A bitter truth, a harsh reality. To see a world where men are mere pawns in a game rigged against them. Women are shallow creatures, valuing only physical attributes and social status. To survive in this brutal landscape, men must shed their illusions of equality and embrace a cold, calculated approach to relationships – this is the RED PILL.
A nihilistic and deeply sadistic view that the world has turned its back on men. The belief that the only option to return the world to it’s correct hierarchical order is through violent uprising – this is the BLACKPILL.
As online-based misogynistic hate communities grow both in size and vitriol, embittered members are designing increasingly effective ways to recruit and radicalise young boys behind the protection of relative anonymity.
Paracosm’s BLACKPILL. unveils the systems by which these communities access and indoctrinate young boys. Using a combination of devised and collected archival text, it casts a harsh light on the quick trip from innocent searches for ‘gym tips’ or ‘how do I talk to girls’ into a cyber chasm the true depths of which most people are entirely unaware.
Director: Chris Patrick Hansen | Featuring: Oliver Tapp, Bailey Griffiths, Natasha Bowers, Lilian Hudson, Oriana Morris-Johnson, Eddi Asher, Conagh Punch, Amelia Pawsey, Veronicka Devlin, Chiara Argirov | Movement Director: Sian Quinn Dowler | Sound Design: Paracosm | Composition: Victoria Angerlique Mertzanidis | Lighting & Vision Designer: Jacques Cooney Adlard | Script Dramaturgy: Nick Jay | Additional Dramaturgy: Rosa Ablett-Johnstone | Dance Captain: Natasha Bowers | Stage Manager: Tijen Irmak
Blackpill.
Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway, 67 Inkerman Street, St Kilda
Season: 17 – 26 April 2025 (preview: 16 April)
Information and Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au
Image: Paracosm presents Blackpill. (supplied)