Our Dear Dead Drug Lord

Written by Alexis Scheer
Awards:

  • Off-Broadway Alliance Award Nominee for Best New Play (2020)

Synopsis
Our Dear Dead Drug Lord is a darkly comic and unsettling play that follows a group of teenage girls who gather in a treehouse to summon the spirit of Pablo Escobar. Set in the mid-2000s, the play explores themes of grief, power, and identity as the girls’ rituals veer into dangerous and surreal territory. Through its sharp dialogue and haunting moments, Alexis Scheer crafts a compelling exploration of adolescence, trauma, and the desire for control in an unpredictable world.

Themes and Analysis

  • Adolescence and Rebellion: The play captures the intensity of teenage life, where experimentation and boundary-pushing are both exhilarating and risky.

  • Trauma and Coping: Each girl’s personal struggles are revealed, highlighting the ways they use the rituals as a means of processing their pain.

  • Power and Violence: By invoking Escobar, the girls grapple with themes of authority and the allure of transgressive figures.

  • Dark Humour and Absurdity: The blend of comedy and horror underscores the chaotic and unpredictable nature of adolescence.

Key Moments

  • The Rituals: The girls’ increasingly elaborate attempts to summon Escobar provide both humour and an eerie sense of unease.

  • Revelations of Trauma: Moments of vulnerability reveal the personal pain driving each girl’s actions, adding depth and emotional resonance.

  • The Treehouse as a Haven: The setting serves as a symbolic space for the girls to explore their identities and confront their fears.

  • The Shocking Climax: A dramatic and unexpected conclusion leaves audiences questioning the thin line between fantasy and reality.

Critical Reception
Our Dear Dead Drug Lord was praised for its daring storytelling and its ability to capture the complexities of teenage life. Critics highlighted Alexis Scheer’s sharp writing and the play’s unique blend of humour, horror, and pathos.

The New York Times described it as “funny, ferocious, and mind-blowing,” while The Guardian called it “a daring exploration of adolescence and trauma that defies expectations.”

Why It Resonates Today
In a world where young people face mounting pressures and uncertainties, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord offers a poignant and provocative exploration of the coping mechanisms and dynamics that shape adolescence. Its bold themes and unpredictable narrative make it a standout in contemporary theatre.

Fun Facts

  • Alexis Scheer was inspired to write the play after reflecting on her own teenage years and the pop culture of the early 2000s.

  • The play premiered at WP Theater in New York City, earning critical acclaim and multiple nominations.

  • Our Dear Dead Drug Lord features an all-female cast, emphasizing the unique perspectives and struggles of its characters.