Kairos pits a newly formed couple against a sci-fi trope—technological revolution. When a new and selective procedure called Prometheus offers the couple synthetic immortality, they struggle, in a very human and domestic way, with the pros and cons of living forever. Kairos is written by Lisa Sanaye Dring with Clare Brennan directing the Red Theater production.
David (Johnard Washington) and Gina (Tamsen Glaser) meet after a car accident and argue their way into love at first sight—or fright, which continues to be a constant in their relationship as more collisions intrude in their would-be simple, certain-death lives. Among the precautions against undergoing the procedure, Gina warns David, who broods on his dad’s death, not to become an “immortal sad-boy” running around in life eternal. And David wonders whether his dad’s death added value and meaning to his life, implying that Prometheus, for all its wonders, might end rather than extend life, if death is itself a necessary complement to life’s meaning.
Both actors are capable of a range of feats—flirty banter, verbal sparring, physical passion, and poignancy. David, a classics professor, adds nerdy intel on the Greek philosophy undergirding the play’s deeper musings. Gina is the less bubbly one, often confrontational, but very sincere and grounded. They make for an interesting combo of intellect and passion. There’s no dissonance in the subtle mix of comedy, sci-fi, and genuine drama in this production, and a searching, contemplative overtone carries through the whole play, well-adapted to the philosophical questions Dring probes in her script.
The simplicity of the set by scenic designer Manuel Ortiz—two moveable chairs that serve a variety of functions—focuses the attention on the actors and their often risqué and quirky dialogue. The work of lighting director James Arakas fuses gracefully with Jay Black’s sound design when the set dims and ambient music speeds us hauntingly toward the couple’s fateful choice.
Since the play foregrounds the relationship, the wider implications of Prometheus aren’t explored much, which arguably leaves the audience to wonder. It would be interesting to see more exploration of how the procedure would change human life forever. Would relationships cease to exist or transform completely? Either way, the play uniquely blends romance and sci-fi speculation so that neither genre overshadows the other.
Anyone looking for a play both thought-provoking and passionate should see Kairos.
Red Theater's Kairos will run through May 18 at the Edge Off Broadway, 1133 W Catalpa Ave. General admission tickets are $30. Running time is 80 minutes with no intermission. Get your tickets here.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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