“Content”, a play by Ross Dungan on display at the Project Arts Centre in Dublin, receives five stars for its stirring depiction of the unnerving reality of content moderation. Alan, performed by Joshua McEneaney, handles the task of moderating appalling images on social media- eradicating hate speech, war imagery and other repulsive content, a routine he’s endured for five years.
His colleagues address him as Android Alan and life carries on as usual until one day an unexpected event occurs that shakes up the world of Alan’s clever associate, Alannah, portrayed by Genevieve Hulme-Beaman. The pair, who share names if not exactly personalities, plunge into a thrilling investigation. The play probes into the severe emotional toll that comes with the responsibility of purifying social media of its vile aspects.
Despite its taxing content, Alan finds grounding support in his companion Jean, an imaginary kangaroo, as he navigates social media’s most horrific areas. When situations become unbearable, Alan and Jean turn to art, envisioning a more benevolent world.
Sara Joyce has expertly directed this 15th Oak production, merging theatre, live artwork and a variety of multimedia elements to render a satirically dark masterpiece. Sarah Moloney’s on-the-spot drawings bring novelty to the piece, and the inventive exploitation of atmosphere, acoustics, and illumination result in an enterprising and intensely engaging spectacle. The palpable genuineness of “Content” makes an impactful connection with its audience from inception to closure.
The play creatively portrays humour while simultaneously stirring a creeping feeling of discomfort. It audaciously addresses some of the most urgent issues of the digital era as Dungan examines the toll taken on the dedicated cleaners tasked with the purification of social media. Alan wrestles with his urge to make a meaningful contribution, an ambition he believes can only be fulfilled through his profession; Alannah strives to rid herself of guilt. Both characters simply seek happiness.
The play, with its intelligent play on words in the title, probes the notion that our sense of life satisfaction is increasingly influenced by what appears on our screen. It indeed provides food for reflection.
The play is ongoing at the Project Arts Centre, and is a part of the Dublin Theatre Festival, which runs until Saturday, October 19th.