Theatre Studies New Works Project

For THE ALGORITHM, I asked the cast what kind of music their characters would listen to. They sent me a selection of songs, from which I chose seven to play on a loop—each representing a different character. I Hate Myself for Loving You symbolized Isla, while Bad Reputation embodied Esther. These were the only two songs I placed intentionally: Isla’s at the very beginning and Esther’s at the very end.

If you view their relationship linearly, there’s a vast space between them. But if you see it as a loop, a circle, they sit right next to each other—yet with an undeniable distance between them. That distance? The other songs. Or rather, the other girls.

In short, the playlist itself served as a metaphor for Isla and Esther’s relationship.

Pre-show Playlist

Esther (left) and Isla (right)