Monetizing Emma: a play that marries dumb securities with Jane Austen

Cory Doctorow 11:01 am Tue Jun 16, 2009

Man, this play called "MONETIZING EMMA," just premiered in NYC's 440 Studios (440 Lafayette Street at Astor Place) sounds like some wicked, trenchant stuff:

The year is 2013 and boutique investment bank Thackeray Walsh is arranging the first-ever securitization of smart teenagers.

Nothing like the insanely convoluted securities that brought the global economy to its knees in 2008-2009, this bond is backed by something far more valuable than sub-prime mortgages or toxic assets.

It's backed by an A-list pool of adolescents pledging their future earnings. They get money now in return for a share of their subsequent income.

Emma Dorfman's one of the chosen elite. A shy 15-year-old who most days shuttles between bullies at school, a pushy mom and a fantasy life inspired by Jane Austen, she's not exactly sure she wants to be "monetized." But Thackeray Walsh has special plans for her and Emma may be forced to trade her split reality for something doubly scary…and far more adult.

MONETIZING EMMA Plays 6/17-26 As Part Of Plant Connections Theatre Festivity

Monetizing Emma

(Thanks, Dot!)

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