Neurospeak

About the production

Tina and Nathan are recent transplants to the 'burbs, going through a bit of a rough patch in their marriage. When Tina refuses marriage counseling, Nathan, a neuroscientist who has developed a potentially groundbreaking AI device, can't help but take advantage of his new technology's power. As relationship woes escalate, it calls into question AI's place in our world and the need to save ourselves… from ourselves.

A note from the Playwright

"When I started writing this play, I knew I wanted to lean into absurdist elements when looking at this technology that has been invading our world. But I didn't know what direction the play would go or what exactly it would be molded into. This development process has provided so much needed playing space to unearth the specifics around these characters and this world, and that is thanks to this production team and actors. I hope this play tickles your brain into thinking about the intersection of technology, everyday communication, and human connection. Many thanks to Power Street, and thank YOU for being a part of this ongoing development process!"

— Pratima Agrawal

A note from the director

"While the device called NeuroSpeak is a fictionalized creation of playwright Pratima Agrawal, artificial intelligence like NeuroSpeak DOES exist in our world right now. Through this absurd, dark comedy, Pratima explores the very real ways that artificial intelligence can be weaponized by and against our loved ones and our community.  Tina and Nathan are in a major life transition as they unpack their lives in a new home and in new surroundings. In a similar way, our society is at an inflection point as artificial intelligence digs its tendrils more deeply into every aspect of our lives and contributes to the late-stage capitalist phenomenon known as “enshittification,” when a digital platform is made worse for users, in order to increase profits. We see this in the customer service bots we are forced to communicate with over the phone or chat before we FINALLY(!) get to talk to a person (...or who we think is a person) to the AI summaries at the top of an online search and everything in between. It has been a privilege to meet with our dedicated team of actors and production team these past couple of weeks to dive into Pratima’s story and strengthen her understanding of what NeuroSpeak is and where it goes next. However, throughout the process, there has been one crucial element that has been missing that artificial intelligence cannot replicate—an active and engaged audience with people like YOU!  Thank you for coming out today to support NeuroSpeak by Pratima Agrawal, new play development, and organizations like Power Street Theatre. "

— Gilberto Vega

About our company

Power Street Theatre (PST) is dedicated to art for social change by investing in creative thought leaders, multidisciplinary artists, and community voices through prioritizing representation, accessibility, education, arts advocacy, and joy.

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