Writer: Noga Flaishon
Director: Daniel Goldman
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Visceral VR“
4.5 / 5
All throughout history, memories have been documented – be it through books, films or passed down verbally from generation to generation. But as technology improves, more options are given for capturing moments from time – with the futuristic VR company Memoriam creating a package that downloads memories from your brain, into sellable immersive experiences.
Rachel (Rachel Barry) has been at the company for a long time, soothing participants such as Becky (Jimena Larraguivel), who is selling the memory of giving birth to her second child, through the process and ensuring they understand the positive from the work they do. She’s never considered uploading her own memories, but since learning that her Grandmother Rivka (Beverley Klein) is the sole remaining survivor from the Holocaust, the importance of immortalising the experiences she went through becomes a priority, with her, and her boss Chris (Ben Wiggins) desperately trying to convince her family that the procedure is integral to cementing the records of their family history. Ashley’s brother David (Ashley Margolis) is horrified, knowing the pain Rivka went through, and disgusted that people could pay to embody that for whatever motives they may have. Ultimately, the decision lies with Rivka, and time is of the essence.
Flaishon’s brilliantly intriguing, well-layered narrative is completely engaging – the debate around morality, memories and family history makes for a very compelling storyline. Despite the clinical nature of the tech company extracting, the production as a whole isn’t cold or too sci-fi, it’s remarkably very relatable and realistic, capturing the heart of Rivka’s family and her devastating past with warmth and sympathy. This is complimented with Goldman’s pacing and staging – with in the round seating ensuring the audience are immersed into the storyline somewhat and enveloped with emotion during some of the harder to watch, touching scenes.
Klein is impeccable in her role as the devoted Grandmother – exuding likeability and tenderness, while still being a force to recon with for her grandchildren! She balances the humour, emotion and sensitivity of her character brilliantly, and her indecision as she weighs up her options allowing the audience to grapple with their own stance on the matter. Barry and Margolis do a wonderful job of showcasing sibling tension, Jewish cultural identity, as well as presenting the two opposing arguments in the ethical dilemma presented. Wiggins has the fakeness from salesman patter and mannerisms down perfectly, and while Larraguivel only has a small part, her indecision and desperation for her own circumstances is a great way to introduce the rest of the narrative, and highlight other potential issues with the technology. A timely, touching production.
Runs until 21st November 2026
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