Powerful AI-Themed Play ‘Disruption’ Places the Algorithm in the Hot Seat

Artificial intelligence infiltrates the relationships of the seven friends at the center of “Disruption,” a play written by Andrew Stein and directed by Hersh Ellis. Running at the Pershing Square Signature Center, in the Romulus Linney CourtyardTheatre until October 4, this eerie rumination on the cost of convenience speaks to what we can all desire: Certainty, security, and control.Three couples who have been friends since college come together for a last minute dinner with their friend Nick (John David Washington), a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur. All have their suspicions that this will not be a normal evening. Tensions heighten as Nick introduces his business partner, Raven (Emma Kikue). Together they pitch their concept for an algorithm that provides guidance for life’s previously unanswerable questions. Raven suggests that the AI can tell with total certainty whether someone should “have a baby,” “get divorced,” or “buy a brownstone,” all conveniently specific situations the couples are navigating.Nick must convince his friends to join him as financial backers. Secretly, he uses them as guinea pigs to test the efficacy of the algorithm. As Nick’s influence on his friends increases, the show becomes a character study on master manipulators. Paul (Joe Tippett) and Jill’s (Elizabeth Stanley) marriage further destabilizes. The past transgressions and secret desires of Suzie (Shaunette Renée Wilson) and her husband Ben (Conrad Ricamora) are revealed by Nick. Barry (Jason Ralph), a surgeon and his wife Mia (Irene Sofia Lucio), a photographer, lament their financial limitations. The microscopic dynamics festering in each marriage serve as a beta test for the potential of the algorithm on a global scale.Over time every character is convinced to follow the advice of the algorithm. Rather than the consequences manifesting as an apocalypse or world-domination, the devastation is on an individual level. The biggest repercussion is the implication of artificial intelligence’s influence on bodily and reproductive autonomy.As predicted, the technology advances much faster than Nick and Raven are able to keep up with. Their plans to capitalize on every aspect of human life, such as controlling the flow of traffic through navigation apps and stop lights to allow calculated encounters and observations that seem like fate, will come to fruition. I left the show wondering how much of my perceived individual choices are influenced by unseen forces.Despite the doom, tenderness peaks through, especially between sisters Jill and Mia. The humanity of each character is highlighted by the skill of the entire cast. Forgiveness is a throughline that keeps the show from erring on the side of didactic. The dialogue is fresh and revealing, a testament to both the writing as well as each actor’s grasp on their character. The set design allows for the audience to survey each other, reminding us that even in moments of intimacy, someone or something is always watching. The projections on the floor by video designer Yana Biryükova conjure up predictable imagery of evil villains in spy movies, rather than innovative technology. This is one of the few elements that falls flat.The company of ‘Disruption.’ Emilio MadridThe world premiere of “Disruption” took place at London’s Park Theatre in 2023, also directed by Hersh Ellis. In the following three years, techno-human connections have grown stronger. This rapid development heightens the emotional impact of the show, as it seems less like a thriller and more like the plausible outcome for humanity. What was once a cutting-edge premise for a play might now be over-wrought, although commentary on AI expressed through the arts can be seen as valuable. In an age where technology has the power to make elements of life no longer require humans, a dark comedy poking fun at greed seems the natural response to a phenomenon that is beyond the control of the average person. In due time, productions about AI might have a similar sour effect on audiences as works surrounding COVID-19 can now. If you are searching for solace on this subject through a theatrical production, “Disruption” is not the show for you.In the final act, the couples continue to passively acquiesce to make room for the continuous progression of technology while Nick meets with the Pope to discuss further plans for his company. This seems the perfect opportunity for redemption, but again, Nick lacks the necessary humility. The introduction of religion is another reminder of the comfort an oracle or omniscient being can offer. Even if Nick does not have empathy for his friends or fellow humans, the audience is able to see his pain. As the show continues to age, will it be remembered as another ignored warning?

Powerful AI-Themed Play ‘Disruption’ Places the Algorithm in the Hot Seat

Powerful AI-Themed Play ‘Disruption’ Places the Algorithm in the Hot Seat

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