As technology advances, it’s undeniably woven more and more tightly into our everyday existence. We’re never without trusty virtual assistance in our every moment of need—though, as recent scandals have made clear, this assistance may not always be as trusty as we’d like it to be. Against this backdrop, the concept of Bricolage Production Company’s upcoming Project Amelia is irresistible: it will take audiences into the R&D lab of Aura, “the brand you’ve come to know and trust,” allowing them to become participants in the launch of a groundbreaking new technology.
While only a few tantalizing details have been made available about the show, there’s no doubt it will deliver the depth of experience audiences have come to expect from Bricolage: as with the company’s pantheon of past immersives, Project Amelia promises to make a bold and memorable impression. “It’s bigger, it has more layers, and it’s certainly one of the most adventurous things we’ve ever attempted,” said Jackie Baker, Bricolage’s Managing Director. The concept for the production began as a play titled Quantified Self, which was workshopped at the University of Boulder as part of playwright Dr. Michael Skirpan’s doctoral thesis; his coding and ethical design studio, Probable Models, has partnered with Bricolage and created custom software for the show.
“Something like the scope of this show, which is the biggest production we’ve ever taken on and something I don’t believe Pittsburgh (or perhaps anywhere) has ever seen the likes of, takes 18-24 months to build with integrity and has a fleet of people who have been helping row the boat to the finish line,” Baker said. “For Project Amelia, everyone is operating at their peak because they simply have to in order to achieve the enormous vision.” The entire Bricolage team, as well as a wider network of supporters, has been hard at work to craft the show, which involves “75 team members, 20 thousand square feet, a host of local and national funders, and about ten thousand people who really believe we can offer people an alternate perspective and help them connect with others.”
A sense of connection will extend beyond the experience of the show itself: during the entire run of Project Amelia, Bricolage is hosting a series of post-show discussions every Thursday evening. These discussions, which are open to the public and include complimentary food and drink from Sprezzatura, aim to “supplement the fictions in the show with hard facts about the technology world we live in,” said Baker. “Speakers range from professors at The Robotics Institute at CMU to intellectual property attorneys from K&L Gates. They’ll dive into the conversation on tech and privacy with the audience, with room for Q&A.” In addition to speakers, these evenings will provide space for audience members to connect with each other.
This commitment to its audiences makes the Bricolage experience ideal for those both returning and new to immersives. “The entire point of our immersive work is to take care of our audience. We aren’t aiming to put you on the spot, embarrass you, stress you out, or scare you,” according to Baker. “We’ve put a lot of time and work into ensuring you have a safe and engaging experience with us.” Patrons are encouraged to contact the team ahead of time with any and all concerns about their attendance—whether it’s a question about what to expect from the show or an accessibility accommodation, Bricolage is ready to help. “Give us a call, email us, or even text us – we want you to take the leap!” For audiences at Project Amelia, the experience is certain to be worth it.
Project Amelia runs Wednesdays through Sundays (with some exceptions) from September 20th through November 3rd in the South Side (the exact location will be provided to ticket holders in advance of their performance date). Ticket prices range from $50 to $70 and can be purchased at www.bricolagepgh.org.
SHOW DESCRIPTION
The world moves fast. Every day there’s a new crisis, a new gadget, a new diet, a new obligation. Slowing down doesn’t feel like an option, and the constant pressure of everyday life can be overwhelming. But, does it have to be? What if you could let go without letting anyone down? What if responsibilities weren’t yours alone?
Aura, the brand you’ve come to know and trust, has been working on the answers to these questions and invites you to experience the solution: an intelligent product made just for you. Replace all the disparate devices that clutter your life and streamline your physical, emotional, intellectual, psychological, spiritual, and time-management needs. This is not a technology you wear or carry. This is the future of you. Project Amelia: Take Control.
Laura Caton grew up as a military brat and has lived in six states and two countries, but considers Pittsburgh her adopted hometown. She moved back to Pittsburgh in 2017 after four years of working in theater administration in New York City. When she’s not writing about theater, she can be found translating German novels, watching anything that bears even a passing resemblance to a Nora Ephron movie, and reading omnivorously.