In Indian texts, Asura are powerful superhuman demigods with both good and bad qualities. In this thoughtful piece by Wayne Stewart, they are AI machines he has built to help him reach enlightenment. Artfully artless, it’s an interesting experiment in a sort of un-performance, aided by the audience. The main theme is human rather than machine consciousness: what drives us, and how striving can be self-defeating. Wayne (guided by his first ASURA) sets himself tasks and targets in a doomed-to-fail attempt to reach enlightenment. His second machine helps him learn that enlightenment is a state, not an outcome: he must continue to “chop wood, carry water” but with new awareness. With a strong coda, this is engaging new theatre.

Zoo Southside, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]