Eat the Rich inc. (forthcoming)

supported by Theatreworks through the She Writes collective

(I’m writing a new play! Exciting!)

 “Cannibalism” is generally frowned upon. But global food systems are under strain. And more and more people feel uncomfortable eating animals. What if there was a local and ethical product that could bolster our meat supplies without harming animals or the planet? 

Synopsis

Meet Ted Theodore, founder of local startup “Eat the Rich Inc.” The concept: offer rich people the opportunity to die a perfect death, before being prepared as an ethical source of meat, to ensure they’re “giving back” even after they’re gone.

To other startup founders, his company seems like nothing more than a sick prank. But when the Eat the Rich Inc app crashes due to popular demand, Ted knows he’s onto a winner. Follow the rise and rise of the most unlikely startup sensation to sweep Melbourne, Australia and the world, providing ethical meat to those who need it most.

But why?

From 2018-2021, my day job had me working with local startups to try and solve challenges facing Melbourne’s residents and infrastructure. As I got to know these entrepreneurs, I came to admire their work ethic and their optimism. But their can-do culture also has a sinister side. 

Startups exist to “disrupt” various industries. If a radically different business model can succeed, this can destroy older, bigger businesses, and something new can be built in the rubble. On the surface of it, it seems pretty punk and cool. But the sinister thing is this: an unshakeable belief that they - the startup disciples - will save us, and build something that solves all the problems of whatever came before. From waste collection to the financial sector to disability services, there is seemingly no challenge too great for the harbingers of the startup revolution.

Meanwhile, outside of startup world, real revolutions are imminent. Since the GFC in 2008, and the rise and fall of the Occupy movement, there has been a decade of simmering discontent. Growing disparities in wealth and privilege are being questioned all around the world. Over the past year, people have risked great danger to take to the streets in greater numbers than ever to protest inequalities of race, gender, economic opportunity, and democratic freedom.

How will society adapt? In the halls of power - certainly in the government contexts that I’m privy to - startups are heralded as the answer. Startups will be the thing to transform our economy and pull us into a sparkling new normal built on innovative, radical ideas, but also, ultimately, on profit.

This is the context that has created Ted Theodore. He sees the revolution in the streets. He sees the fragility of our food supply chain, as evidenced during the pandemic. And in all of that, above all, he sees a business opportunity.

This project is supported by Theatreworks through their She Writes collective - https://www.theatreworks.org.au/she-writes