A powerful look at today's social media landscape, the drama explores how a young man's mistake at 17 haunts him online a decade later. Desperate for a normal life, he goes to extraordinary lengths to erase his indiscretion. But freedom of information is a big business, and the tech companies aren't going down without a fight. Secrets, lies, and political backstabbing abound in this riveting new drama, heralded by New York Magazine technology columnist Kara Swisher as "the best dramatic depiction about tech and its power over our world."
Right To Be Forgotten by Sharyn Rothstein
Sieminski Theater & JCC Metro West, NJ
American Theater Group
“The American Theater Group hits another home run with “Right to Be Forgotten,” a timely play by Sharyn Rothstein, which tells the story of a young man’s misstep early in life, how the Internet magnifies it – and his quest to have it erased so he could live a normal life. Rothstein’s fast-moving snappy dialogue, along with Kathy Gail MacGowan’s clever direction and the outstanding cast are a perfect recipe for an interesting, complex and thought-provoking experience.” Debbie L. Hochberg, The News Record of South Orange and West Orange Chronicle.
“In Sharyn Rothstein’s timely and gripping comedic drama, Right to Be Forgotten, currently finishing a run at the JCC in West Orange and opening on June 15 in Basking Ridge, First Amendment rights butt heads with the Right to Privacy in the tale of 27-year-old Ph.D. student Derril Lark, whose over-the-top teenage infatuation with a female classmate 10 years before is available to anyone searching his name on the Internet, whether it be for a date, a job or character reference. For a taut 90 minutes..Director Kathy Gail MacGowan masterfully elicits natural, convincing performances from the cast while scenes change rapidly. “ Ruth Ross, NJ Arts Maven
“This is a meaty play about a meaty topic. Rothstein doesn’t shy away from legal complexities, and doesn’t provide any easy answers. But the play also has a sweetness at its core, and a touch of goofiness that helps it remain down to earth.” Jay Lustig, NJ Arts.net
photos by Lianne Schoenwiesner Spotlights Photography