Photo credit: Charlie Flint
Memories are one of life's most precious commodities. They give us knowledge, wisdom and intelligence. They enable us to recall the past, savour the present and plan for the future. But just imagine if memories could be copied, edited and sold for a price. Now, imagine the thought of anyone being able to access and live these memories as their own. Memories then assume a monetary value and become an asset that is traded to a willing customer. That's the terrifying premise of this new play written by Noga Flaishon.
Rachel (Rachel Barry) is employed by Memoriam, an organisation that can create a digital copy of a person's memory and store them in a database. Customers can choose to rent these memories and view them on virtual reality goggles. A downloaded memory will be strategically edited to ensure they are fit for consumption. The memory seller (the provider) receives either a flat fee or a share of the profits.
Rachel's boss Chris (Ben Wiggins) has a special project for her. Memoriam are looking to download a memory with true cultural significance. He targets Rachel's 93-year-old grandmother Rivka (Beverley Klein). Affectionately known as 'Bubbie', she is the last survivor of the holocaust. Rachel is keen to get her onside but faces opposition from her brother David (Ashley Margolis). He sees it as an invasion of their grandmother's privacy and dignity. Meanwhile, Becky (Jimena Larraguivel) is a prospective customer with reservations about the sale of her own memory.
This cleverly constructed play deals with two distinct issues. Firstly, the pace of digital technology makes memory extraction a distinct possibility. But what are the ethical implications of machines taking control of our lives. Secondly, it explores the concept of remembrance. How do we mark the best and worst of human nature? How should Rivka's experiences be recorded? Memories cannot be censored or sanitised as their value will be lost. So shouldn't living memories be told as an honest recollection of events and not a clinical download of someone's life?
Memoriam is the definition of challenging and thought provoking theatre. It’s not an easy watch and confronts us with some uncomfortable truths. The cast are excellent but Beverley Klein ultimately stands out as the indomitable Rivka. The play boldly opens an important conversation about the future. Most importantly, it asks how far progress can be pushed and whether it’s for the greater good.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Memoriam plays at London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough until 21 Nov, with further info here.
