Review: iAm 4.0, Playground Theatre

Based barely a mile from Grenfell Tower, scene of the devastating fire on 14 June, the award-winning charity SPID Theatre held a benefit event on 9 July including a performance of their latest show iAm 4.0. Specialising in immersive and participatory community theatre, with this show SPID have developed a thought-provoking hour in which the audience takes a certain amount of control.

Each audience member is asked a couple of slightly odd questions upon entering the venue, to determine which group they'll be placed in. A head developer in a white lab coat and her two assistants then explain that our small focus groups will test a new and highly innovative piece of tech: the iAm 4.0.

Each group is introduced to its own prototype iAm and advised how to control it. It's then time to play with it a little.

Things start simply enough, with the selection of a name and some other basic 'settings'. Each group then has to instruct their iAm in a series of tasks, which become more complex as time goes on, both in terms of the tasks themselves and how they make you think about the potential implications of advanced technology.

What would you ask an iAm to do to make you happy? (Our group's requests ranged from a simple action to trying to solve some complex social crises - all admirably tackled by our iAm 'Chelsea'.) Might you find yourself instructing an iAm to steal for you? Or deliberately place it in harm's way to win you a small reward?

The prototype iAms' performances in particular are pitch-perfect: composed, dispassionate and with just the right sprinkling of humour when given the opportunity. Nevertheless, this type of show will always be what the audience chooses to make it. Those afraid of audience participation needn't stay away, however; although everyone can be expected to be called upon once or twice to 'take control', the real focus is always on the iAms' responses.

Each group's slightly different approach will bring about varying results, much like real focus groups. Likely common outcomes, however, are a feeling of camaraderie developed through working together, a slight competitive streak, and some sense of connection with the iAm. But you might not want to become too attached before the final task you'll be asked to undertake.

iAM 4.0 is travelling around London throughout July and August (Kensal House estate, Ladbroke Grove 15 July; Bush Theatre 1-2 August; Southwark Playhouse 11-12 and 17-19 August; and Park Theatre 25-26 August)

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

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