Presently, I’m obsessed with watching creative reactions to AI. Specifically young people, women, queer folks, disabled folks, and people of colour — all those who stand to be impacted most drastically by this emerging technology.
Unsurprisingly, I was immediately intrigued by Cult Following, a queer-centred story, written by a woman and featuring an all-women cast. Written by and starring Jane Adé, who made a splash with last year’s My Loneliness is Killing You, the show was quirky, ambitious, hilarious and thoughtful. It was also nightmare fodder.
At the heart of the story is a lonely woman doing her best to get by in a world that lacks meaningful connection. At first, she leans on AI, comforted by its lack of humanity. Over time, she recognizes her need for genuine human connection, but finds herself overcorrecting by joining a cult and giving birth to plastic cyborg Jesus (it’s hard to explain).
Together, these elements were compelling, but in such a short format, the story felt a bit muddled. Certain plot-lines, such as the protagonist Eve eating a Pringles lid, felt integral to the story, but were quickly forgotten.
But despite its shortcomings, Cult Following is a fun and creative response to some really heavy existential issues by a fascinating playwright and actor.
Cult Following is at Soulpepper Theatre’s Kevin & Roger Garland Cabaret until July 11
