Primary User

by Nate Eppler

Where do your posts go when you die? A cutting-edge chatbot unintentionally becomes a digital monument when one of its creators dies unexpectedly, leaving his loved ones to argue over ownership of the digital remains – and their own grief. A millennial ghost story and an examination of disconnection and grief in the age of loneliness.

Where do your posts go when you die? A cutting-edge chatbot unintentionally becomes a digital monument when one of its creators dies unexpectedly, leaving his loved ones to argue over ownership of the digital remains – and their own grief. A millennial ghost story and an examination of disconnection and grief in the age of loneliness.

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Primary User

Recommended by

  • Brigid Amos: Primary User by Nate Eppler
    “

    A fascinating exploration into the modern concept of digital remains. Unlike the social media accounts and other online traces of the dead that live on to haunt us, this play further upends the grieving process by pushing digital remains closer to AI, a disturbing prospect that may emerge in the not so distant future.

    A fascinating exploration into the modern concept of digital remains. Unlike the social media accounts and other online traces of the dead that live on to haunt us, this play further upends the grieving process by pushing digital remains closer to AI, a disturbing prospect that may emerge in the not so distant future.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Primary User by Nate Eppler
    “

    A mind blowing piece about the overwhelming power of technology and that search for connection even artificially after our loved one has past. The memories we cling to, our connection, the questions we need answered, the grief that comes with moving on. It's truly all consuming! Fantastic!

    A mind blowing piece about the overwhelming power of technology and that search for connection even artificially after our loved one has past. The memories we cling to, our connection, the questions we need answered, the grief that comes with moving on. It's truly all consuming! Fantastic!

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: Primary User by Nate Eppler
    “

    A gorgeous and poignant piece about grief in the contemporary world. As the play winds back and forth in time, Eppler flashes out several very human and nuanced characters. Using "Ozee" as a device (literal and figurative) to explore Mia, Liz, and Ruthie's competing ownership of memories and the legacy of Oz is brilliant! I'd love to see this highly theatrical piece on its feet.

    A gorgeous and poignant piece about grief in the contemporary world. As the play winds back and forth in time, Eppler flashes out several very human and nuanced characters. Using "Ozee" as a device (literal and figurative) to explore Mia, Liz, and Ruthie's competing ownership of memories and the legacy of Oz is brilliant! I'd love to see this highly theatrical piece on its feet.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Ashland New Plays Festival, 2018
  • Reading, Ingram New Works Festival , 2017
  • Residency, Ingram New Works Project / Nashville Repertory Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • 2018 Ashland New Plays Festival
    Ashland New Plays Festival
    Winner
    2018