Anthropology: intriguing story loses its way

Review by Joe Siegel

Lauren Gunderson’s “Anthropology” has a fascinating and timely premise – the use of artificial intelligence to re-create a human being.

The production, which is being presented by The Players, features outstanding performances and solid direction by Joan Dillenback.

Katie Preston plays Merril, a woman suffering from intense grief over the death of her sister Angie (Tali Russell). Using a specialized computer program, Merril creates a virtual clone of Angie.

Angie lived her life on social media, so all her deepest secrets, likes and dislikes, were available to the world.

With Angie’s assistance, Merril eventually reconciles with her girlfriend Raquel (EJ Hines), who warns her about Angie’s power.

Merril also attempts to find out what happened to Angie – by using the simulation to unlock Angie’s thoughts before she disappeared more than a year earlier.

Gunderson explores some compelling themes here, such as how people handle grief, the ways AI is impacting our lives, and the influence of social media.

Preston, Russell, and Hines are fantastic in their roles. The interplay between Merril and Angie is especially intriguing. I don’t recall seeing a computer-generated character in a play before. We only hear Angie’s voice before she appears behind a curtain in the background. The effect is mesmerizing.

Lee Rush (“Picnic”) is powerfully effective as Merril and Angie’s mother, who reacts with a mixture of horror and joy at hearing Angie’s voice.

“You’re making a horrible thing worse,” she tells Merril.

After a compelling two-thirds, “Anthropology” features a plot development (no spoilers here) which effectively undermines the entire story. It’s not that it’s implausible, but that it’s unnecessary.

It’s a shame because there is so much which is right about the play. The dialogue is witty and often profane. I think the use of the ‘F’ word sets a new record.

Ian Hudgins’ set and projections design are exquisite.

If only the last 30 minutes of “Anthropology” had maintained the quality of the first hour, this could’ve been a great play instead of a good one. The mystery of Angie is resolved, but we end up with more questions than answers.

Anthropology runs through February 1. The Players at Barker Playhouse. 400 Benefit St., Providence, RI. Runtime is 97 minutes with no intermission. For tickets, call 401-273-0590 or visit playersri.org.

Katie Preston. Photos courtesy of Samantha Hudgins.

Katie Preston, EJ Hines.

Lee Rush, Katie Preston