Putting computer theory into theatrical practice

Decision Problem [Good Time for Questions]

Lir Academy

**

Named after a central concept behind the evolution of computers, namely that any question has to have an answer of yes or no, John Rogers’s one-man show faces a conundrum of its own: how to turn a meditation on the impact of this theory into a piece of theatre.

Rogers’s approach is to largely avoid anything resembling stage drama. Instead, hunched behind his laptop, he bombards the audience with social-media exchanges, snippets of music and movies, and lines of computer code (more entertaining than it sounds). Then, just as one wonders about the point of watching a twentysomething’s personal web feed, Rogers leaps to his feet, furiously scribbles equations on whiteboards and frets about the incompatibility of binary rationality with human irrationality.

It’s all quite diverting, but also shapeless, which may even be the point: Rogers clearly cherishes human frailties. But does it work? No. Maybe not.

Ends Sept 14