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Omniscience
By Tim Carlson
Directed by Kevin Heckman
At Stage Left Theatre
3408 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL
Call 773-883-8830, tickets $20- $22 - $25
Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through May 24, 2008
Futuristic mystery, Omniscience is a tale about electronic surveillance
Stage Left Theatre’s 100th production, Omniscience, by Tim Carlson is an interesting cautionary tale set in the future concerning the effects of a fusion of corporate and government wherein the extensive use of multimedia surveillance is employed upon its citizenry. Marked by extensive video design (by Victor Holstein) that combines live and recorded video that interacts with the actors on stage, Omniscience unfolds as a mysterious science fiction thriller.
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The classic dystopian future is Warren’s (Cory A. Krebsbach) story as he struggles with the loss of his partner and the psychological trauma his wife suffered in the latest war. He tries to finish a pro-war documentary for Channel One—the mega corporation. We meet Beth (Christine Gatto), Warren’s agent and Channel One handler bent on psychological control of Warren and his news footage. She speaks the corporate line that necessitates that personal privacy give way to corporate culture through pervasive surveillance. Beth covers her rear when a government security agent, George (Brian Plocharczyk) invades her world with claims that Channel One and Warren may be spies or terrorists. The rash of bombings leads to extra scrutiny.
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Warren’s struggles to finish the war documentary and to help his wife Anna, (Cat Dean) who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, colors his daily life. He is under increased pressure from Anna, Beth and the hidden messages he finds from his lost partner from the war footage.
Without giving away more storyline, let me say that Omniscience aptly deals with stress suffered by returning soldiers as well as how being constantly under video surveillance can affect one’s life. The show also warns about how technology can limit our freedom. It also deals with how the line between news and propaganda get smeared when government and media get too close. The truth does suffer.
This is a well acted play. I especially like the work of Cat Dean and Cory A. Krebsbach. The use of video intertwined with live actors added dramatic tension as it served the production well.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritc.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008
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