Is it unprofessional to tweet during a performance that you’re reviewing? It’s encouraged in the new production by John Rogers, who himself is using a voice-speaking Macbook to throw a flirt at the ladies in the second row.

In this meditation on the rapid rise of computers the laptop takes centre stage, conjuring a theatricalised slideshow that layers up sound recordings and visuals. The atmosphere is relaxed, and as the performer glosses over social media profiles and phone messages we become curious about his personal life.
But Rogers gets resigned to the background and the computer becomes the primary dramatic device. This is a weak power source as the production tries to spell out its more serious messages. And when he does get out from behind his desk to furiously solve a mathematical problem, it lacks clear suggestion of the stakes in the scene.

Decision Problem [Good Time For Questions] has some neat tricks but it’s lacking in dramatic power. As robotically articulate as the main speaker is in the lengthy monologue at the end, the actor doesn’t create scenic action that makes it engaging.

“I’m not explaining myself properly”, says Rogers as he delivers a possible future for technology. But when neither he nor his computer are speaking clearly, we’re left with all the wrong questions to ask.

Star rating: ★★