To See or Not to See: Privacy

Privacy is, seemingly, not truly possible in today’s digital world in James Graham and Josie Rourke’s new play from London, aptly called, Privacy.

Privacy is about a young male writer (played by Daniel Radcliffe) who has recently come out of a relationship. It makes him question how he relates to people and how the internet makes us relate (or not). Without giving any spoilers, we delve into the world of “Big Brother is watching” and learn some creepy facts about technology, what governments do, and what hackers can do. If you see the play and get eery pricks of similar themes you’ve seen in the TV show Mr. Robot, you’re not alone.

Using a combination of Shakespeare’s texts, stories from real-life figures (the head of the FBI, authors, professors, and, yes, Edward Snowden), and help from the audience (cell phones are encouraged to stay on and connected to the free wifi in the theater), the journey you go on is an enlightening one. Privacy does not feel entirely cohesive, but it reflects what the Writer says at one point. He explains that he “hyperlinks” through life; clicking from one thing to another to another…which is exactly what the scenes in this show do.

The cast is great.Daniel Radcliffe convincingly plays the depressed, confused, and introverted Writer. Rachel Dratch, Reg Rogers, Michael Countryman, Raffi Barsoumian, and De’Adre Aziza play a range of engaging supporting characters. These characters (although they are based on real people at times) are mostly figments of the Writer’s imagination. Not only do they buoy the Writer in his life, but they also help explain all the ideas and happenings to the audience. It is a clever trick. There are more clever tricks in the show (that leave the audience laughing, shocked, and impressed), but, alas, I will say no more to keep the show fresh for future audiences (as per the cast’s request at the end of the play).

Although the play may not be an incredibly polished play, it has several moments that garner audience’s reactions and make them leave the theater thinking…is anything ever really private?

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus