REVIEW: PH staging of Lauren Gunderson's 'anthropology' delivers an intimate tale of sisterhood
The Asian premiere of anthropology by Lauren Gunderson brought an intimate exploration of grief, technology, and sisterhood to the stage of the Doreen Black Box, Areté in Quezon City.
Presented by Barefoot Theatre Collaborative under the direction of Caisa Borromeo, the psychological thriller combines drama and sci-fi through the story of Merril, an expert AI programmer whose life is upended by the unexpected death of her younger sister, Angie. Unable to accept the loss, Merril turns to the one thing she understands best: data. By gathering Angie’s texts, emails, and digital footprint, she constructs an artificial intelligence meant to replicate her sister’s voice and personality.
What begins as a way to uncover the circumstances of Angie’s death soon becomes something more complicated, as Merril finds herself tangled in a complex web of obsession and unresolved emotions towards a digital ghost.
The Philippine adaptation features a powerful all-female cast, led by theater actress Jenny Jamora as Merril. From start to finish, Jamora skillfully navigates the play’s tonal shifts between hilarious banter with the computerized version of her sister to the emotionally charged moments that expose Merril’s unresolved grief. Through her vocal delivery that ranges from awkward software nerd to a sister trying to play cop in the mystery of Angie’s death, Jamora keeps the audience invested in her story.
If anyone comes close to matching her performance, however, it’s her onstage sister, Maronne Cruz. Cruz’s portrayal of Angie strikes a delicate balance between warmth and mystery, and it's her presence that pushes the play into psychological thriller territory. There are moments where Angie treads the line between a manipulative apparition and the affectionate younger sister Merril desperately wants to remember, and it keeps you on your toes and guessing what her true motive is.
As her character is an AI, Cruz was projected into four different TV screens surrounding the stage, and it was impressive to see the cast members interact with a co-star that wasn't even really there, showing just how much skill and preparation were put into the play.
Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante and Jackie Lou Blanco provide strong supporting performances that further ground the play’s emotional and ethical stakes. Bradshaw-Volante plays Raquel, Merril’s ex-girlfriend and the voice of reason. While her chemistry with Jamora feels more like estranged best friends rather than lovers, Bradshaw-Volante offers an excellent counterbalance to Merril’s obsessive pursuit of answers.
On the other hand, Blanco leaves no one doubting her capability to deliver an emotional performance at the snap of a finger. As someone who has only watched her through screens, it was a stunning moment to see Blanco give a visceral expression of regret and pain of a mother who has long been estranged from her two children.
anthropology is performed entirely in English, which, while maintaining the original text’s nuances, may have created a slight distance for some audience members. Certain lines and cultural references might have landed even more strongly if the play had been adapted into Filipino. Nevertheless, the cast’s performances, combined with Borromeo’s thoughtful direction, ensure that the story’s emotional core is still compelling.
All in all, anthropology could not have arrived at a more fitting time than Women’s Month. While its premise revolves around AI, the heart of the play lies in the profound connection between sisters. It is a moving celebration of sisterhood, loss, and the human relationships that define us.
anthropology is staged at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté in Quezon City from March 13 to 29. Tickets are now available through this link. Standard seats cost P2,200 while premium ones are priced at P2,500.
anthropology by Lauren Gunderson's license is managed by Harmonia Holdings, Ltd. under special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Ltd.
Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a free ticket to the premiere of anthropology, which is playing at the Doreen Black Box, Areté in Quezon City until March 29. Tickets are available now through this link.