"anthropology" (sic) at the Matrix

Rogue Machine Theatre presents "anthropology" by Lauren Gunderson.  It's a trip! 

Artistic Director Guillermo Cinefuegos announces in his curtain speech that this play is a Western Hemisphere  Premiere!!    Guillermo's enthusiastic pep talk is sincere.  I'm ready to see the play un-pepped.  Refreshments in the house are a distraction. 86 them, please. My whole experience colors the review.

The Matrix Main Stage is a challenge to almost any show. . It's many times wider than it is deep and for those in the far side seats, enjoying the whole play can be difficult.  What John Perrin Flynn has done with this very odd story is to keep his players moving with  alacrity. Aided by huge video screens, this story of love lost and found emerges with some questions that I may have missed, but no matter.   It's good work.

Alexandra Hellquist, Kaylee Kaneshiro

 

Alexandra Hellquist as Merril  has lost her presumed dead sister, Angie  (Kaylee Kaneshiro). Angie disappeared.  Merril in her own computer tech genius way seeks to find Angie: by  "reconstructing" her from all Angie's  e-media that is now at her disposal.  Merril seeks to find Peace.  With AI Angie's help she may determine the real fate of sister Angie.

With the recent introduction of Tilly Whatshername? an AI generated actress  and the recent Sixty Minutes  segment that introduced a computer chat bot that recognizes faces and works of art. this slightly complicated story is no longer in any imagined future. It is pretty much happening today. Scary? Well. yes.. to me.

Stephanie Kerley Schwartz's amazing set (she also did the contemporary costumes) and the truly wonderful realization of Artificial Intelligence Angie is a delight as an actual character in this play. Credits: Michelle Hanzelova-Bierbauer (Video/Projection Design), Fritz Davis (Video Engineer)

   Was AI Angie created.. as  Tilly has been, out of ones and zeroes to become a very feisty and 'real' presence on the various video screens on stage? You be the judge.

As Merril  awakens AI Angie, the snappy dialogue is fast paced and challenging. "F" bombs seem to be a thing these days and they roll like second class thunder. Why the F not?

The gay aspect of Merril and Raquel (Julia Manis) being reunited by AI Angie is a sort of adjunct story that features the women re-kindling their love affair. It takes a back seat to how the author's imagination unfolds in an elegant way. Love finds a way.

Nan McNamara as Brin, Merill's mother, might be a few years too young, but she's been a serial bride. She probably started at an early age. Her arrival leads to the business of what may have happened to Angie. .

The professional skills of all of the actors in rapid fire dialogue  Crackle!.  Each of the women own their stories and never drop a stitch.Very special props to Kaylee Kaneshiro  as Angie.

The video / computer simulations become a character that is  undeniable.  Nary a glitch.

Highly recommended. Good luck parking! Arrive early.

 

CAST:

Alexandra Hellquist as Merril

Kaylee Kaneshiro as Angie 

Julia Manis as Raquel

Nan McNamara as Brin 

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Stephanie Kerley Schwartz (Scenic/Costume Design), Dan Weingarten (Lighting Design), Chris Moscatiello (Sound Design), Michelle Hanzelova-Bierbauer (Video/Projection Design), Fritz Davis (Video Engineer), Carly D.W. Bones (Intimacy Coordinator), Grant Gerrard (Technical Director), Victoria Hoffman (Casting Director), Athena Saxon (Assistant Director/Prop Coordinator), Rich Wong (Stage Manager), Jeff Lorch (Photos) 

Chisom Okoye (Associate Producer), Guillermo Cienfuegos, Justin Okin, Lexi Sloan (Producers)

anthropology by Lauren Gunderson

directed by John Perrin Flynn

Rogue Machine Theatre

at The Matrix

7657 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

(street parking)

 

8pm Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays; 2pm Sundays 

(no performances on Monday, October 6)

Closing: November 9, 2025

 

Reservations https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/

Information 855-585-5185

 

Previews $25 (too late!)

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

.