Jenny Ledel’s new play, ‘Your Wife’s Dead Body,’ captivatingly presents a thought-provoking premise: what if we could exist beyond death through an AI-generated personality crafted from our former living selves?
Unlike many narratives that criticize technology for reducing humanity to mere algorithms, this play focuses on an intimate case study of a woman’s experience, exploring what fundamentally makes us human and the complexities involved in that identification.
The play opens with a striking 15-minute segment featuring Jane, portrayed by Ledel, who is in a terminal state and is being examined by a neutral AI voice connected to the Lazarus Project.
This segment establishes the before scenario of the story.
Once the initial questioning concludes, the narrative transitions to the aftermath, focusing on Jackson, the bewildered husband who must navigate the unique challenge of coexisting with Jane’s resurrected yet altered personality.
Here, Jane’s AI counterpart exists in her former body, attempting to engage with Jackson.
In one light-hearted moment, Jane suggests they visit what the AI mistakenly identifies as her favorite restaurant, adding a quirky twist to their interaction.
For the majority of the play, the action oscillates between the AI’s persistent and earnest interrogation of the original Jane and Jackson’s struggle to connect with Jane II, the AI persona.
This dual narrative framework effectively builds tension in both storylines, keeping audiences engaged as they witness Jane’s interaction with her AI form and Jackson’s evolving response to her.
As the play unfolds, moments of comedy punctuate the emotional intensity.
One particularly memorable scene occurs when Jane attempts intimacy with Jackson but shuts down due to missing AI settings—an awkward yet humorous result of the technology’s limitations.
Ledel’s stage presence is formidable; she slips effortlessly into her role as Jane II, with an engaging and fluid performance.
Drew Wall, as Jackson, matches her energy and emotional depth, showcasing a character in turmoil as he grapples with the implications of his wife’s AI reincarnation.
The only other actor present on stage is Francisco Grifaldo, who plays Dan, a co-worker and friend to Jackson.
During a pivotal scene, he highlights the discomfort of interacting with Jane II, sensing an unsettling essence about her, further enriching the narrative’s exploration of consciousness.
Ledel has crafted a character in Jane II who embodies self-awareness, and the unsettling realization that she isn’t quite the same amplifies her emotional struggle, resulting in a chilling portrayal that resonates deeply with the audience.
The voices of the AI personalities are brought to life by three additional actors: Rhonda Boutté, Danielle Pickard, and Alex Organ. Their contribution adds layers to the exploration of Jane’s identity as they work with the AI to create her new persona.
The meticulous investigation of Jane’s original personality provides the foundation for understanding the intricate transformation that unfolds.
Organ, a member of the Dallas Theater Center’s resident acting company, directs ‘Your Wife’s Dead Body’ with a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the play’s sharp writing.
The stark black-and-white set design, which he collaborated on with Wall, fosters a clinical atmosphere, complemented by the distinct lighting and sound designed by Lori Honeycutt and Cresent R. Hayes.
In ‘Your Wife’s Dead Body,’ Ledel showcases her voice in a compelling and profound manner, marking her debut in a major theatrical production.
The play runs through July 26 at Bryant Hall, 3400 Blackburn St., with ticket prices set at $30. More information can be found at secondthoughttheatre.com.
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