The subject and acceptance of AI and its introduction to our society are as controversial as today’s politics. The Academy Award-nominated writer and director Jose Rivera has produced a timely play focusing on this dystopian view of a robotic caretaker, Stacy (Sara Koviak), perfect in every detail thanks to the newest AI algorithm, Approximation of Soul. Stacy has been hired to care for seasoned citizen Aislin (Anne O’Sullivan), a bristly old and angry woman suffering from life’s everyday wear and tear.All technological changes are hard to transition into, and Aislin does not differ from any other human being. She has a dirtier mouth than a sailor and many unfulfilled dreams. She is toxic and has been on her own for some time. Aislin’s son has sent Stacy to assist with her burdens since he has cut her off from all communication with the world. A scene from Your Name Means Dream by Jose Rivera. Courtesy NJ Repertory CompanyStacy is programmed not to feel emotion or interfere in Aislin’s natural path. But soon, the audience senses Stacy is drawn to her client—or is she? She helps Aislin out of her shell, starts her dreaming about traveling and dating, and even suggests that she should have sex with the neighbor in her apartment building. It all appears perfect.Yet, there are signs of Stacy’s programming malfunctioning, and you feel that something sinister will happen to Aislin as the robot almost self-destructs. Koviak is so natural as the perfect machine, Stacy, physically and unemotionally capable of performing her role with exceptional robot characteristics. O’Sullivan delivers a comical performance, grouchy yet with a sense of humor.With all good work such as Rivera’s, we are left wondering again: Does technology improve our lives and enhance our self-worth, or are we left with the cold reality of a machine with no feelings? The crowd in the theater gets a glimpse of what might be a human side of Stacy, but is it that, or do we hope it is?Go see Your Name Means Dream at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep), Long Branch, N.J., where they strive to present “bold, innovative works that spark conversation and thought."Your Name Means Dream, written and directed by Jose RiveraWITH Sara Koviak and Anne O’Sullivan.The Artistic Director is SuzAnne Barabas, and the Executive Director is Gabor Barabas. Your Name Means Dream is presented by a special arrangement with Paradigm Talent Agency.Readers may also enjoy King Lear and Meltdown.https://youtu.be/Zye-4GGANzw?si=kspk9918QxiCbH2g Read the full article
