Mar 7, 2024 - Things to Do

An algorithm comes to life in "Big Data" show

Claire Reilly

two people on stage, one in a snuggie — Out-of-work writer Max ( Jomar Tagatac, left) is intrigued by M (BD Wong), a mysterious stranger who arrives in his life and wants to know everything about him. Photo: Kevin Berne

👋 Hey all, this is your reminder to see a fantastic show in SF: "Big Data" at the American Conservatory Theater before it wraps this month.

The big picture: The play follows M (played by BD Wong) as he appears unexpectedly in the lives of two young, tech-distracted couples. Is M a robot? A sentient AI in human form? Something else altogether?

State of play: The production is perfect for a tech-driven city like San Francisco. Even more so in the second act when (no spoilers) a shocking family revelation blindsides the characters, and they're forced to reconcile with how distracted they've become.

Behind the scenes: Speaking of his character M, Wong said there was something fun about playing an algorithm that comes to life, observing human behavior from a distance.

What they're saying: "I don't feel contempt for [humans], I'm wildly entertained by them," Wong said at an audience Q&A last week. "But it's like a 'Spock' kind of feeling… that's as close to human behavior that he gets."

Stop by: The play is at the Toni Rembe Theater until March 10. Tickets are available through the American Conservatory Theater.

Check out our Axios SF Instagram page for more shots from the show.

Add Axios on Google

An algorithm comes to life in "Big Data" show

More San Francisco stories