An examination of how technology impacts grief
Alfrun Rose’s one-woman tragicomedy, Dead Air, fuses a Shakespearean classic with one of the most pressing concerns of the modern age, writes Melina Block.
What would have, a few years ago, been a sci-fi play now feels more like a cautionary tale, commenting on the potentially disastrous path down which AI companies and unassuming consumers seem intent on hurtling.
It’s a smart concept – a reimagining of Hamlet with the grieving protagonist, Alfie, using AI to bring back her father instead of the traditional tale’s titular prince spotting him as a ghostly spectre. Rose’s writing and acting are punchy, enthralling, and moving. Despite the overarching themes of death and bereavement, this show is full of life, with Rose effortlessly conjuring and embodying different characters.
The staging is simple – a bare stage with a single microphone and one green spotlight. This allows Rose’s performance to shine through, commanding full attention as her grip on life and reality becomes increasingly tenuous. The same timeless themes Shakespeare explored in Hamlet are expanded upon here: loss, madness, power, family, while also delving into some more timely topics.
The most interesting aspect of Dead Air is its examination of how technology impacts grief and, more widely, our understanding of what it means to be dead. It’s easy to understand why Alfie is drawn to the AI version of her deceased father, but Rose also uses her play to highlight how omnipotent tech bros can exploit these most difficult – and human – emotions to squeeze more money out of vulnerable people.
A sharp story with lots of heart, Dead Air proves that good playwriting is better left in the hands of the humans than the chatbots.
Written and performed by Alfrun Rose.
Greenwich Theatre until 16th May
Booking and full details: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/dead-air/
