In "Ada and the Engine", Gunderson makes both the intimate friendships between Lovelace and Babbage (progenitors of the not yet named field of computer science) and their efforts to imagine the marvelous possibilities of steam-powered brass-and-steel brains palpable. A truly fascinating portrait of two lives whose significance to our world would not be fully appreciated for over a century: Indeed it was Lovelace's insights that presage we can use machines to exchange plays!

I reviewed Avant Bard's 2022 production: https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/551717/ghost-in-the-machine-ada…...

This was presented as a reading at the William Inge Theatre Festival and is an intricate and absorbing play about a hidden figure in the Industrial Revolution. Ada Byron Lovelace's story is told with passion, and the characters are fully developed and compelling. It would be mesmerizing on the stage.

Ada and the Engine is a complex and beautifully written play that weaves dramatic moments, compelling characters and mathematics into an artistic tapestry that is mesmerizing to read, and will be a performance to remember. Ada Byron Lovelace has a small part in history, but her story is so emotional and beautiful. The other characters are deep and well-written and will give actors a lot to play with. A beautiful piece of art!