Producing a commentary on the Internet is typically an exercise in redundancy, tasked with avoiding tropes beaten into media by shows like Black Mirror or 13 Reasons Why. At this point, we clearly understand that we live inseparably from our digital footprints as we inadvertently document our own legacies. Despite the risk of redundancy, the Raven Theatre’s Right To Be Forgotten delivers a compelling perspective on our right to control our privacy, narrowing in on a single story about forgiveness.
Right To Be Forgotten Through 3/26: Thu-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM; closed captions Sun 3/5, touch tour Sun 3/12 1:30 PM (prior to 3 PM show); Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, 773-338-2177, raventheatre.com, $40 (students, active military, and veterans $15)
Derril Lark, played by Adam Shalzi, made a mistake at 17 when he persistently pursued and borderline stalked his high school crush. His indiscretion is documented by an Internet blog that mutates his legacy for years, cementing his name as the scapegoat for a much larger problem. Over a decade later, Lark feels desperate to escape his digital footprint—the version of himself that lives online—but cannot overcome the tech giants’ policies against the right to be forgotten.
To clear his name, Lark implores energized, cynical lawyer Marta Lee, brilliantly played by Susaan Jamshidi, to support his case. However, Marta’s battle extends beyond Lark. Unwittingly, Lark becomes Marta’s key player in finally defeating the tech giants, represented by her ideological nemesis Annie Zahirovic, played by Lucy Carapetyan. Suddenly, the frame of the play widens, and Right To Be Forgotten captures a titanic clash between opposing tech lawyers, whose battle only marginally concerns Lark (to his detriment).
With secrets, twists, and complex questions, Sharyn Rothstein’s script (directed by Sarah Gitenstein) feels more inspired by 70s paranoia thrillers than contemporary Internet dramas as Lark moves helplessly against the nameless tech giants. Despite losing momentum during its final moments, Right To Be Forgotten is likely to be remembered, especially thanks to the cast’s captivating performances.