San Francisco Stage: ‘Shipping & Handling’ a must-see, surrealist counterpoint to ‘Ex Machina’

**AI Takes the Stage in the San Francisco Bay Area: Star Finch’s "Shipping & Handling"**

AI has made its way to the stages of the San Francisco Bay Area, sparking conversations that rival the excitement once reserved for the dawn of the internet. Playwrights are now exploring AI's impact on society, reflecting diverse perspectives to an audience that ranges from skeptical to intrigued.

One notable example is Star Finch’s *Shipping & Handling*. Though this play has been in development for over five years, well before the current surge of AI fascination, it remains incredibly relevant and thought-provoking. Produced by Crowded Fire Theater, this play might be easy to overlook, but doing so would be a mistake. It stands out as one of the most engaging and meticulously crafted productions I’ve seen in a long time.

Finch employs creative storytelling techniques, including time-shifting, to captivate the audience. The play is set in the future but told in reverse, posing the question of how we can alter our future when it is so deeply rooted in our past. Moments of profound reflection and sadness are interspersed with humor, capturing the essence of the human experience. Yet, Finch also challenges us to consider whether these experiences will remain as AI technology advances.

**Counterpoint: The Black Feminist Perspective**

*Shipping & Handling* addresses expansive themes, but Finch ensures the audience cannot simply retreat into the anonymity of a dark theater. She makes bold critiques, including a sharp jab at Alex Garland’s film *Ex Machina* (2015). The film, which portrays a future dominated by AI from the viewpoint of a wealthy white man (brilliantly portrayed by Oscar Isaac), is scrutinized in Finch’s work. My recent re-watch of the film revealed flaws that Finch highlights, challenging the simplistic and controversial aspects of Garland's narrative.

From its structure and subject matter to its surreal presentation and the invitation to question our own biases, *Shipping & Handling* is a masterful example of why live theater is irreplaceable.

**Stellar Performances and Technical Brilliance**

The performances in *Shipping & Handling* were exceptional. Notably, understudy Jessica Dim, portraying Chloe, demonstrated remarkable versatility, even engaging in a talk-back session in a ski mask and glittery dress. She led us through the play’s creative process and the origins of the “little” black robot character, Indigo.

In my years of reviewing theater on Stark Insider, I’ve seen countless productions across the San Francisco Bay Area. I have a particular appreciation for stage lighting and sound design, elements that transport audiences to different realms. At the Magic Theatre’s thrust stage, both technical and artistic teams excelled. The sound design ranged from subtle and dreamy to powerful and impactful, while the lighting enhanced the play's brooding and mystical atmosphere. Every element combined to create a captivating experience that left a lasting impression.

If you have the opportunity, check out Crowded Fire Theater and grab some tickets. Productions like these are crucial—they challenge us, inspire us, and ultimately push us towards positive change.

I suppose it’s time for me to revisit *Ex Machina* with a fresh perspective, as well as Steven Spielberg’s insightful *A.I. Artificial Intelligence* (2001) and Ridley Scott’s iconic *Blade Runner* (1982). Understanding these works through a new lens is essential as we explore and anticipate the future and consider the purposes it will serve.