Some stories grab you before the first line is even spoken, and Anthropology by Lauren Gunderson at Sinclair Community College was one of them. From the very first moment, I was drawn in, curious to see where the story would take me. The stage felt like a world waiting to be discovered, every detail from the set to the sound humming with possibility. I found myself leaning in, noticing the small moments even before the actors spoke, sensing that this was going to be an experience that challenged me, sparked my imagination, and left a quiet echo in my mind, inviting me to explore its questions long after I left the theatre.

Imagine a girl named Merril wrestling with her own reality as she creates an AI version of her sister, a formidable concept that dances like a tantalizing shadow. Here, in this contemporary thriller, the lines between family love and artificial intelligence blur, prompting us all to question the very essence of who we are and how we connect with those we treasure. As the lights dimmed and the first notes of haunting sound design washed over me, I could feel anticipation crackling in the air like static electricity, charged with potential and creativity.

As I lifted my camera to my eye, I found myself truly mesmerized by the artistry unfolding. The lighting bathes the scene like sunlight filtering through a canopy of leaves, illuminating not just the actors but the very emotions they portrayed. The set design was an intricate tapestry of color and texture, inviting us into a universe where fiction meets reality. Every glance, every twitch of a finger, every breath taken on that stage resonated with the pulsing heartbeat of the story being told.

The actors, oh how they sparkled. Each performance radiated raw talent and intensity, pouring their souls into every line delivered, drawing me in deeper with each fleeting moment. It was as if they were casting spells that made time both stand still and race forward, a paradox I found myself relishing with every click of the shutter. My camera became an extension of my curiosity, a compass guiding me to capture these moments of brilliance that danced in vibrant hues before me.

Why do I love documenting theatre? Because it is alive, a living, breathing world full of human experience, passion, and vulnerability all woven together. Every show is a treasure waiting to be discovered, a story that slowly reveals itself if you take the time to look closely. The way the actors inhabit their characters, the way the lighting and set transform the space, and the way sound and movement shape the moment all pulse with life, and I get to be there capturing it. In those moments, I am not just watching from the sidelines. I become part of the process, a conduit for the energy and emotion on stage, preserving the fleeting sparks of creativity that might otherwise go unseen. It is more than photography. It is a way of connecting with the artistry, the people, and the humanity at the heart of the story.

Anthropology made me stop and really think. Lauren Gunderson’s writing sparked a curiosity in me about the ways we connect with technology and with each other, a journey that is both thrilling and unsettling. The story lingers in your mind, asking what it truly means to be human and how our relationships are shaped in a world that increasingly blends the digital with the real. In a time when virtual connections can sometimes feel more immediate than face-to-face moments, how do we know what is truly real? How do we hold onto our humanity and the depth of our emotions amidst a growing sea of artificial intelligence? Watching the characters navigate these questions reminded me that theatre can be more than entertainment. It can challenge us, inspire reflection, and make us reconsider the ways we live, love, and connect.

Lauren Gunderson’s Anthropology isn’t just a science fiction thriller; it’s a thoughtful exploration of identity, memory, and the ethical questions that arise with artificial intelligence. In an interview, Gunderson shared that she was inspired by her curiosity about how technology shapes our relationships and our sense of self. She was particularly fascinated by the idea of creating AI versions of the people we love, what it means to capture someone’s essence and the emotional consequences of doing so.

Through Anthropology, Gunderson invites us to wrestle with these questions ourselves, challenging us to reflect on the boundaries between the real and the artificial, and what it truly means to be human in a world where technology is growing ever more present.

As the show came to a close, I felt so lucky to witness the talent and dedication poured into every scene. Watching a community come together, putting hours of work, creativity, and heart into something that sparks conversation and reflection, is truly inspiring. If this has piqued your curiosity, I encourage you to grab a ticket and experience Anthropology for yourself. There’s something magical about seeing passion and creativity in motion, a living tapestry of humanity unfolding right before you.

In those moments of connection, we might just catch a glimpse of something bigger, something that stays with us long after the lights go down.

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Production Credits — Anthropology

Presented by Sinclair Community College
Anthropology written by Lauren Gunderson