Imagine a couple falling in and out of love over Skype. Teenagers having a conversation in a chat room. An older couple using iPads to keep in touch with family overseas while facing Alzheimer’s. These storylines summarize three of the six plays that make up “Interface: An Evening of New Virtual Plays.”
Joining “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss the plays were theater critic Kelundra Smith and Bridgette Burton, who co-created the project together. They were joined by Erin K. Considine, whose work, “Good Man Hunter” is a part of Interface.
Each of the plays explores people’s relationships with technology spanning from the year 2000 to 2023. There are three dramas and three comedies that make up the night’s performances.
“You’re going to have moments where the tears well up in your eyes for sad reasons and you’re going to have moments where they well up in your eyes because you’re laughing so hard you’re crying,” said Smith.
The official synopses of the works presented:
“Chatterbox” by Quinn Xavier Hernandez (2000) Directed By Ibi Owolabi Featuring Tyshawn Gooden and Meleidy Crespo-Jones
Matt and Amanda are exploring the new world of chat rooms. It’s enticing to be anyone you want online, but at what price?
“Sunrise, Sunset” by Amina S. McIntyre (2005) Directed by J.L. Reed Featuring Zahria Moore and O’Neil de la Pena
Keisha and Morris make the perfect couple. There’s just one problem—she’s in Los Angeles and he’s in Atlanta. Can they find a way to make it work, or will the distance get the best of them?
“Girl” by Marium Khalid (2010) Directed by Ibi Owolabi Featuring Susmita Chennareddy, Aysha Waheed, Khawaja Waheed and Tamil Periasamy
Rafat once had dreams of being a Bollywood starlet like the women she watched onscreen as a girl. Now in her twilight years, with her husband Haroon and daughter Hina by her side, she’s living them– in her mind. This story of sustaining love through Alzheimer’s will break your heart and put it back together.
“Good Man Hunter” by Erin Considine (2015) Directed by Sharon Estela Featuring Megan Zhang, Bekah Medford and Zahria Moore
Hunter is dusting off her little black dress after a very public breakup with her influencer boyfriend. With her two besties by her side, she’s ready to conquer the world of online dating, but she realizes that getting 10,000 followers might be easier than swiping to Mr. Right.
“Free Game” by Elliott Dixon (2020) Directed by J.L. Reed Featuring Roy Coates, Willie Davis, Tyshawn Gooden and O’Neil de la Pena.
Retired NBA star Dedalus “D-Lo” Clay has started an online inmate education program and he’s enlisted his son—NFL first draft pick Ickerus “Sticky Icky” Clay— to help him with the endeavor. When they login to the virtual classroom, they meet Bernie and Lynwoodt Jenkins, a father and son doing time together. Their lives couldn’t seem more different on the surface, but they’ll soon discover they have a lot more in common than they think.
“Long Time, No See” by Kelundra Smith (2023) Directed by J.L. Reed Featuring Bekah Medford and Megan Zhang
Jordan and Taylor had a standing happy hour date for two years, but they haven’t seen each other since the COVID-19 pandemic tore through the United States. Now, two years after a vaccine has been developed, they try to pick up where they left off, but that’s not so easy.
Interface will be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook Live on Dec. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. The group also partnered with local restaurants such as Edible Endeavors, Wahoo! Grill, Sweet Auburn BBQ, and Nakato Japanese Restaurant, so viewers can have the “dinner and a show” experience.
