“It Isn’t a Machine. It’s an Entirely Disembodied Living Consciousness” – The Test, White Bear Theatre, Kennington, London 19.09.2017

I was delighted to be asked once more to go and review for the Golden Age Theatre. Having seem a fair few now of Ian Dixon Potter’s work, I was looking forward to what he next had in store.

Tonight’s viewing was at a different theatre, this time south of London at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington. Similar to that of the Etcetera Theatre it is based above a pub, but in size it is a little bigger and more situated in the round than to the front. That being said our view was fine, feeling close to the action.

The Test tells the story of a reckless scientist, Dora and a computer hacker, Josh. Both of them join forces to hijack the entire internet in an attempt to create the first true artificial intelligence conscious. Using the support of the ‘Turing Test’ to assess their creation, it isn’t long before they being to question who is being really tested here?

For a change Ian Dixon Potter takes on technology within this production, yet still the play has a similar theme and focus of identity and what makes us human. Dixon challenges the boundaries of artificial intelligence to create a consciousness that can comply to that of the ‘Turing Test,’ and whether a machine can exhibit behaviour similar to that of a human. In doing so he creates the role of ‘Mother,’ the conscience within the internet. At first seems to be a simple succeeded test for Dora quickly takes hold of the intelligence and mind she gain leading to a semi-apocalyptic end. The story is hard going at times which throughout needs your full attention, there were a lot well- researched, strong meaningful moments in this production that is clearly displayed within the writing, partnered with the acting. Once again Ian Dixon Potter leaves me pondering after leaving the theatre from a truly engaging production.

The performers tonight told the story brilliantly, Natasha Killam returns following her performance in Tiresia leading the cast in the action of the story with never leaving the stage. Determined, and confident in the role of scientist Dora, she clearly displays every emotion throughout of her discovery to realisation of what she truly has achieved. Yet also there is pride, which the audience senses as she confronted by the professor Zara Banks. Zara’s main part within this was the voice of ‘Mother’ who has a warm, yet hypnotic tone to her voice that draws the audience in. Duncan Mason I had seen previously in past show Boy Stroke Girl to which he played a more comic role, tonight he portrayed a different role of Hacker Josh, a recent out of prison inmate who gets wrapped around Dora’s finger to join in the test. Strong within his role, he was a delight to watch once again.

The Test focuses a lot on a fair few complicated topic – do we as a human race have free will, and consciousness? It defiantly succeeds with this and leavesthe audience reflecting on themselves. Which is always the way I am left when leaving these plays, it will always leave me wanting more and excited to see what next Ian Dixon Potter creates to get my mind ticking!

The Test continues to play at the White Bear Theatre until the 30th September.