Why This Iconic Play’s Revival Left Audiences in Shock—You Won't Believe the Critic's Take!

In an era where the specter of automation looms large, the revival of Elmer Rice’s 1923 expressionist drama, The Adding Machine, resonates profoundly. The play tells the grim tale of Mr. Zero, an accountant who loses his job to an adding machine, ultimately resorting to murder and facing death. His journey through an afterworld leaves him bewildered, leading him back to the very monotony he attempted to escape. It seems almost prophetic that this exploration of existential despair is once again relevant for today's workforce.

Reflecting on my past experiences with the play, I recalled two productions I attended in 2007 — one at the La Jolla Playhouse, directed by Daniel Aukin, and another at the Circus Theatrical Studio Theatre in Los Angeles. These performances occurred just before the Great Recession, a time when countless American workers faced unprecedented job losses and economic hardship. As banks received bailouts, it was the dedicated employees who suffered the most. The haunting reminder of colleagues who never fully recovered from that crisis looms over us as we brace for another potential employment upheaval, this time driven by artificial intelligence.

Automation is not a new phenomenon. Rice's work reminds us that workers have been adapting to technological changes for over a century. However, current predictions suggest that the scale of disruption due to AI advancements could eclipse anything we've witnessed since the Industrial Revolution. It would be naive to assume that benevolent corporate leaders will shield workers from the impending challenges.

The latest production of The Adding Machine, presented by the Actors' Gang at the Ivy Substation in Culver City, showcases a visually stunning reimagining of this classic, directed by Cihan Sahin. The production harmonizes elements such as Chris Bell's set design, Bosco Flanagan's lighting, and Rynn Vogel's costumes, all coming together to create a stark beauty on stage. Yet, while the visuals are captivating, the frenetic performances can alienate audiences, detracting from the play's deeper messages.

The character of Mrs. Zero, portrayed by Zoe Molina, is initially intended to be off-putting with her sharp tongue directed at her husband, Mr. Zero (played by Pierre Adeli). However, Molina's intense delivery may drive some audience members to consider leaving rather than engaging with the complex dynamics at play. Rice, despite not aligning with contemporary feminist ideals, crafted characters that expose the harsh realities of the human experience, which should not be overshadowed by the elaborate staging.

One of the production's significant issues lies in its pacing. The drawn-out second half, where Sahin's meticulous attention to visual detail might be detracting from the actors' performances, leads to a sluggish rhythm that could disengage the audience. While Adeli’s portrayal of Mr. Zero serves as an anchor, his interactions with Daisy, played by Mariana Jaccazio, offer some of the play's most compelling moments, blending love and disdain in a complex relationship.

Mr. Zero is not merely a victim; he embodies the frustrations of a man corrupted by a system indifferent to individual humanity. Much like the tragic figure Willy Loman from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Mr. Zero grapples with feelings of worthlessness in a world that discards him when he is no longer useful. His internal struggles reflect a broader societal issue: the toxic values that can emerge from a relentless pursuit of success.

Ultimately, The Adding Machine does not need to be abridged for modern audiences; its message remains relevant and poignant. The Actors' Gang production, with its striking visuals and rich thematic content, serves as a reminder that Rice still has our number in the ongoing dialogue about worth, identity, and the relentless march of technology that threatens to redefine what it means to work and live.

'The Adding Machine'

Where: The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays (Check for exceptions.) Ends April 18

Tickets: $38, Pay What You Can on Thursdays

Contact: TheActorsGang.com or [email protected]

Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including one intermission)