Longtime collaborators Youssef and Long use their real-life relationship and personal stories as the inspiration for a play that examines the comedic and often sensitive limits of friendship. The two men sit as a table and play an invented game where they name people, places or things – Beyoncé, Mexican food, their fathers – and label each one a winner or a loser. According to Soho Rep, “What begins as a simple game, rapidly descends into a merciless and brutal appraisal of each other’s families, backgrounds and life choices.”

Performances will run through Feb. 1 at Soho Rep. Chris Abraham directs.

Soho Rep. Artistic Director Sarah Benson said, “Marcus and Jaime's acerbic and timely Winners and Losers melds fact and fiction through their invented onstage game. They ultimately ask us to consider what we value and how our choices can potentially divide us. New York, where our inequalities are in plain sight, is the ideal stage for their work and I can't wait to share this show with local audiences.”

The creative team includes Jonathan Ryder (lights), Arnulfo Maldonado (set design consultant), Elia Kirby (production manager), Lisa McGinn (stage manager) and Kirsty Munro (producer). Produced in association with Theatre Replacement and Neworld Theatre.

Marcus Youssef is an award-winning playwright whose plays include Ali and Ali & the aXes of Evil and How Has My Love Affected You? They have been produced and published internationally. James Long is the founder of Theatre Replacement Company, whose work has toured around the globe. Soho Rep is located at 46 Walker St. Manhattan. Tickets $35, are available online here.