Cleo has thought up seven methods by which she could kill Kylie Jenner, a so-called “self-made” billionaire. It isn’t until she starts to tweet about it that things get extra complicated. seven methods of killing kylie jenner, written by Jasmine Lee-Jones and directed by Jay Northcott, is a scrutinizing look at fame, the internet, and how we interact with it all. Told through the lens of two young black women, seven methods of killing kylie jenner is an intelligent and terrifying look at the world around us.

Cleo is just relaxing at home, scrolling Twitter, when she sees the Forbes article claiming that Kylie Jenner is the first ever female self-made billionaire. Frustrated by the inaccuracy and misinformation, Cleo starts a thread detailing the ways which she would kill Jenner if given the chance. When her friend Kara arrives on their way home from a late-night rendezvous, Cleo’s tweets open up a dialogue between the two which covers several of the issues they face; Everything from racism to homophobia, body shaming to the long-standing oppression of Black people, Cleo and Kara cover it all.

Jasmine Lee-Jone’s script is masterful; the characters have several modes of communicating with one another and switch back and forth seamlessly. At times, Cleo speaks like the student she is, rattling off bits of her dissertation and research, while the majority of the play is spoken using internet shortcuts mixed with the occasional Patois phrase. This is so symbolic of how we actually communicate in real life, while also using the code switching which has been utilized by colonized people for centuries. The way we speak to our friends, as opposed to our co-workers, or how we speak on the internet can be exceptionally different things and it was fascinating to hear it all throughout the course of this play.

The design team behind seven methods of killing kylie jenner have created this incredibly dystopian and cyberpunk landscape for the characters to exist in. Nick Blais’ set design includes functional screens scattered around the room, along with a cluster along the back wall which looks like a hive of screens and images. The trampoline bed is fabulous; I love all of the pink fuzzy pillows and blankets (Cleo and I have similar taste it seems!). Laura Warren’s video design, Maudie Bautista’s sound design, and Christopher-Elizabeth’s lighting design create the technologically driven world these characters live in. Des’ree Gray’s costumes are unique and vibrant, capturing the essence of the characters through their clothes.

seven methods of killing kylie jenner is a dynamic two-hander which is brought to life beautifully by Jasmine Case and Déjah Dixon-Green. Cleo and Kara have been friends most of their lives, and you can feel that from the chemistry between these two talented actors. Case has a swagger and charisma as Kara which is so engaging. Her character has some really difficult conversations and Case gives those moments vulnerability and care. Dixon-Green’s Cleo is fierce and flawed, exhausted yet exhilarating. Dixon-Green expertly embodies Cleo’s many facets with honesty and passion. These actors make seven methods of killing kylie jenner the must-see production that it is.

seven methods of killing kylie jenner has just been extended until June 2nd at Crow’s Theatre. Make sure you come out to see this smart, heartfelt work before it closes. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.crowstheatre.com/whats-on/view-all/seven-methods

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Cover Photo: Jasmine Chase and Déjah Dixon-Green. Photo by Dahlia Katz.

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