In new play Version 2.0, issues of female consent and robotics are thrown together in this timely new piece challenging the superficiality of modern society, opening at the Leicester Square Theatre in February 2018, directed by Kevin Michael Reed.
Kash, a playwright, is obsessively in love with his childhood friend Karen. Kash silently expresses his love for Karen by writing plays for her and she returns his admiration by acting in them. Their enduring friendship falls apart when Karen rejects Kash, infuriating him to such an extent that he refuses to see her again. After the rejection, he isolates himself from everyone and gradually falls into a depression.
A robotic society offers Kash an opportunity to live with a humanoid companion, and in return that society wants him to introduce their robots to the world via the means of theatre. Kash accepts the invitation and creates a robot that looks exactly like Karen. He prepares a new show with the humanoid look-alike of Karen and presents her in front of a live audience.
Exploring the effect of social media culture on real human relationships, and asking whether a robot replace a true human and face to face relationships. Version 2.0 comments on and highlights the effects of social media on the nature of relationships.
Director Kevin Michael Reed says “We seem to think we know people just by being “friends” with them on Facebook, but those idealized worlds presented are not truth. When placed in the wrong hands, those worlds are dangerous.”
Version 2.0 is at Leicester Square Theatre February 20th 2018 – March 3rd 2018.
