Nuclear Family

by Dayna Smith

FULL LENGTH PLAY: It’s the not so distant future and robots are working our jobs, running our families and fulfilling our every need. DAD, MOM, SON and DAUGHTER live a seemingly normal middle-class American life with the assistance of their household bot NiNa, but with every gain there is a cost. Can the family stay connected in a world where the definitions of "love" and "humanity" become more and more...

FULL LENGTH PLAY: It’s the not so distant future and robots are working our jobs, running our families and fulfilling our every need. DAD, MOM, SON and DAUGHTER live a seemingly normal middle-class American life with the assistance of their household bot NiNa, but with every gain there is a cost. Can the family stay connected in a world where the definitions of "love" and "humanity" become more and more ambiguous as the years press on?

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Nuclear Family

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Nuclear Family

    A fascinating look at the ethics of technology. The questions asked in this play do not seem too far-fetched. In a world of machine learning and AI, the conundrums these four humans face feel so real and authentic. I loved how this play does not give us easy answers. Really want to see this play produced and I'm really interested in the conversations it will spark.

    A fascinating look at the ethics of technology. The questions asked in this play do not seem too far-fetched. In a world of machine learning and AI, the conundrums these four humans face feel so real and authentic. I loved how this play does not give us easy answers. Really want to see this play produced and I'm really interested in the conversations it will spark.

  • Aly Kantor: Nuclear Family

    The trouble with optimistic transhumanist futures is they never take inequity into account. In a world in which most people rely on their smartphones and progressively advanced forms of AI/NLP are on the rise, the time to have these conversations is now. This play is an efficient entry point and a compelling theatrical journey that will definitely spark discussions regarding the human realities of an automated future under capitalism. It goes above and beyond to ask questions about the role technology might play in human connection - and whether it is enough to love without reciprocation...

    The trouble with optimistic transhumanist futures is they never take inequity into account. In a world in which most people rely on their smartphones and progressively advanced forms of AI/NLP are on the rise, the time to have these conversations is now. This play is an efficient entry point and a compelling theatrical journey that will definitely spark discussions regarding the human realities of an automated future under capitalism. It goes above and beyond to ask questions about the role technology might play in human connection - and whether it is enough to love without reciprocation. Really intriguing work!

  • Cheryl Bear: Nuclear Family

    How does a family operate in a robotic world? A fascinating look at technology, connection and humanity. Well done.

    How does a family operate in a robotic world? A fascinating look at technology, connection and humanity. Well done.

View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Residency, Organization HBMG Foundation National Winter Playwrights' Retreat, Year 2018
  • Type Workshop, Organization HomeGrown Theatre, Year 2017

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Meredith College, Year 2023

Awards

  • Core Apprentice Program
    The Playwrights' Center
    Finalist
    2018
  • Creative Residency
    SPACE on Ryder Farm
    Semi-Finalist
    2018
  • Semi-Finalist
    Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2018