Doomers Review: A Game Inspired by Sam Altman’s Departure from OpenAI Remains in Beta
Exploring "Doomers": A Peek into Tech Industry Chaos
Introduction to "Doomers"
"Doomers," a play penned by Matthew Gasda, offers a revealing look at the inner workings and conflicts of the tech industry. Inspired by the dramatic ousting of former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2023, the production navigates themes of ethics, leadership, and the potential consequences of evolving technology. Presented by the Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research in San Francisco’s Pallas Gallery, it captures both the realities of tech culture and the moral dilemmas faced by industry leaders.
The Setting: A Reflection of Tech Culture
Set in a typical tech condo littered with snacks and energy drinks, the play opens with characters competing for dominance in their professional sphere. The lead character, often described as an “autistic sociopath,” is attempting to gather support from a handful of quirky colleagues. However, instead of rallying their efforts, his sharp criticisms about their personal and professional lives seem more like hindrances.
Dual Perspectives
The play unfolds in parallel narratives. Across town, the opposing team tries to regroup after expelling their leader, Seth. As they strategize their next moves, personal grievances and rival ambitions steal the show, raising the question: Will their technology ultimately lead to salvation or destruction?
Dialogues and Themes
Gasda’s script is marked by rapid-fire dialogue that may leave casual audiences feeling overwhelmed. Characters deliver lines such as “Never become f— buddies with an ethicist” and discuss the sociopathic traits that can benefit leadership. These interactions dive into the nuances of tech-intensive work environments, showcasing inside jokes and specialized lingo that may elude outsiders.
The Frantic Pace
The dialogues create a frenetic atmosphere, leaving viewers to piece together the context behind scattered remarks about corporate strategies and crisis management. The characters seem to compete not only in their jobs but also in wits, making the audience race to keep up with their discussions.
Staging and Performance Quality
Performed in a compact venue, "Doomers" struggles with sightlines due to its seating arrangement. Despite the intriguing premise, the staging lacks dynamism. Actors often remain seated, which diminishes the potential energy of the scenes. In instances when they move, it is mostly to engage with their phones or walk in a self-important manner, detracting from any audience engagement.
Tone and Urgency
The overall tone of the play is one of continuous urgency, but without variance. The performances hover at a medium intensity without delving into emotional contrasts, making the lack of dramatic tension noticeable. Characters appear fixed in their roles, leading to a desire for standout moments that could enhance the emotional depth.
Act Two: A Missed Opportunity
The narrative transitions into Act Two, offering a look from the perspective of board members who terminated Seth’s position. Unfortunately, this act mirrors much of the previous one, repeating similar plot points and themes. This redundancy can confuse viewers and make the show feel less structured.
Questioning the Narrative Focus
As the characters debate philosophical issues like ambition versus ethics in leadership, it remains ambiguous what exactly they aim to achieve. Are they genuinely recruiting help, buying time, or just engaging in endless debate?
The Need for Relevant Theatre
The Bay Area is hungry for theatrical representations that address contemporary tech dynamics. "Doomers" attempts to dissect the challenges facing the industry, but it has yet to find a clear messaging path to illuminate its core themes and engage its audience fully.
Performance Details
"Doomers," written by Matthew Gasda and directed by Ash Baker, runs until March 22 and lasts approximately one hour and 50 minutes. Tickets are available for prices ranging from $55.20 to $156.57 at the Pallas Gallery in San Francisco.
For those curious about today’s tech environment, "Doomers" offers a platform to reflect on serious topics, even if it sometimes stumbles in execution.
