Theatre Z to present ‘anthropology’

Theatre Z will present Lauren Gunderson’s anthropology Wednesday, May 27-31, at the Jean Weidner Theatre.

Premiering in London in 2023, anthropology follows the story of Merril, a coder and AI expert who turns to AI to cope when her younger sister goes missing.

The show explores some of the ramifications of personal grief and ethical use of artificial intelligence while dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics.

“It explores the idea about the relationship between AI and people…” said Stephen Rupsch, artistic director for Theatre Z and director of the show. “We’re moving towards a weird time of science fiction and reality. The play that we’re doing is science fiction, mostly, but the line is very blurry right now.”

The show is directed by Rupsch with scenography for the play and stage management done by April Beiswenger, artistic associate for Theatre Z, and costumes designed by Rochelle Van Erem.

“April Beiswenger and I worked together at St. Norbert for like 15 years before she was laid off last year and now I am…” Rupsch said. “But she’s come back for two weeks and so she is designing the show.”

With the team altogether again, rehearsals have been kicked into high gear to prepare for Wednesday’s opening night.

“We are really connecting very deeply, and we’re at that kind of interesting place right now where the scripts are out of their hands and we’re able to do a lot of very intimate moment-to-moment work, which is the kind of stuff that I love to work with with actors and it really makes the story come alive,” Rupsch said. “The set’s going to be really simple, but profound in its simplicity. And one of the things that we tend to do is gravitate towards these very profound stories that have a sense of humor, and April is particularly good at making very strong choices that are direct and have great metaphors and add so much to the story. I think with all that, the show is going to be pretty interesting to watch.”

The cast includes Raechal Wozniak-Sanford, Lindsey Volk, Trisha Picard and Carol Cassell.

Performances will take place on May 27, 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. with an additional performance May 31 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now with general admission for $21.

To purchase tickets online, visit bit.ly/3S51Q3f. The box office at the Jean Weidner Theatre will open one hour prior to show time and offer a limited number of full price, senior and student tickets ($21, $15 and $10 plus fees).