ANTHROPOLOGY

by Lauren Gunderson

EUROPEAN PREMIERE

8 May – 5 July 2025

Preview performances on 5th, 6th and 7th May

A deeply human AI thriller about grief, connection and the perceived control over the technology we create.

In the wake of tragedy, Merril finds herself grappling with the devastating loss of her sister, Angie, who disappeared a year ago. To deal with her grief, the software engineer Merril creates a digital replica of her sister by feeding her online footprint into a chatbot. This virtual Angie becomes a lifeline for Merril, a source of comfort and companionship in the face of overwhelming grief. But her unconventional coping mechanism is met with resistance from those closest to her, who struggle to understand and question how healthy the relationship with a glorified chatbot can be. But when digital Angie implies she might be able to solve her own missing persons case, everything changes.

With each new piece of information, the lines between reality and simulation blur, raising profound questions about the nature of identity, memory, and the human condition.

PRESS FOR ANTHROPOLOGY

Hamburger Abendblatt “Am Ende gibt es lauten und verdienten Beifall // at the end there is loud and well-deserved applause“

Ganz Hamburg “Ein dickes Lob gebührt […] den vier wunderbaren Schauspielerinnen, deren Leistung nicht hoch genug zu würdigen ist // High praise is due […] to the four wonderful actresses, whose performance cannot be praised highly enough“

Theaterzeit Hamburg “spannende, intelligente Unterhaltung” // “exciting, intelligent entertainment”