Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Delving into the world of AI-generated images, where artificial intelligence can create the seemingly impossible, we experience the world of intriguing imagination. The content created by using machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, including text, images, and audio, to generate new content that is similar in style and tone to the original data. Many are using this technology today to improve and promote their businesses and for personal use. But how amazing it would be if we could have our loved ones always with us and be able to talk to them, not just through our dreams, but during the waking hours as well. And even after their transition from this world.
The ‘Western Hemisphere Premiere’, as Guillermo Cienfuegos the Artistic Director of Rogue Machine Theatre calls it, of anthropology written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by John Perrin Flynn gives us exactly that – the fascinating world of AI. Even though the main vehicle in this play is AI technology, love is the motor that makes the vehicle go. I must admit, I love the cutting-edge theatre pieces I’ve been seeing at our innovative Rogue Machine Theatre on Melrose Ave.
Merril (Alexandra Hellquist) whose younger sister Angie (Kaylee Kaneshiro) disappeared thirteen months ago misses her so much that she must find her. The computer nerd that she is combined with the deep love she has for her sister, drives her to ‘recreate’ her through AI technology. The intention is to communicate with her and to find out where she is and possibly who took her, is she dead or alive … brilliant idea of Gunderson’s imagination to write a play about this new tool – new to many of us, that could resolve the mystery of the sister’s disappearance. This play is unlike any of the previous plays she’s written, and it is a great stretch for her.
The set design is masterfully created by Stephanie Kerley Schwartz, and it leaves a powerful impression. The character Angie seems as real as she can be on that screen, and the audience totally sees and hears the true essence of her. Wonderful job!
At the same time, Merril is dealing with the inharmonious relationship she has with her girlfriend Raquel, portrayed by Julia Manis, and the conflict with her own mother, Brin portrayed by Nan McNamara. All the conflicts are about relationships, love, and choices. Actresses are fully connected to their characters and they allow the power of the acting craft to shine through.
Producers Lexi Sloan, Chisom Okoye, Guillermo Cienfuegos and Justin Okin engaged Dan Weingarden for Lighting Design and Christopher Moscatiello for Sound Design. The synchronicity, the quality of the sound is fantastic and the lighting compliments perfectly the Sound design, and the AI & Video Design created by Michelle Hanzelova – Bierbauer. Video engineer is Fritz Davis, Assistant director and prop coordinator is Athena Saxon, Carly D.W. Bones is an Intimacy Coordinator, Grant Gerrard is Technical Director, Rich Wong is stage manager. Casting director is, as usual, Victoria Hoffman. Stephanie Kerley Schwartz also created costumes.
Chisom Okoye (Associate Producer), together with Producers Guillermo Cienfuegos, Justin Okin and Lexi Sloan in their 18th Season successfully celebrate the Matrix Theatre’s 50th Anniversary with the production of anthropology at Rogue Machine Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (street parking). The show runs until November 9, 2025, on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8:00 pm. On Sundays the show is at 2:00 pm.
General Seating: $45; Seniors $35; Students with ID and children under 18: $25. Show4Less on Fridays Oct. 10 ($15+), Oct. 17 ($20+), Oct. 24 ($20+), Nov. 1 ($25).
For more information call 855-585-5185, or reserve https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED