Data

by Matthew Libby

2020/21 Winner, Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition

Maneesh is a brilliant entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm deep in Silicon Valley. Content to work in the low-stress environment of User Experience, Maneesh has a crisis of conscience when he is offered a transfer to the more-central Data Analytics team, and learns the true nature of Athena’s work. Torn...

2020/21 Winner, Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition

Maneesh is a brilliant entry-level programmer at Athena Technologies, a data-mining firm deep in Silicon Valley. Content to work in the low-stress environment of User Experience, Maneesh has a crisis of conscience when he is offered a transfer to the more-central Data Analytics team, and learns the true nature of Athena’s work. Torn between the idealism of his friend Riley and the fierce company loyalty of his mentor Jonah, Maneesh is forced to come to terms with his own identity, and decide the personal and societal cost of his work — all while learning the extent to which Athena is willing to go to hide its secrets.

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Data

Recommended by

  • Conor McShane: Data

    Libby is so good at writing plays that explore the intersection of technology and humanity, crafting nuanced, thought-provoking stories that also work as propulsive, finely wrought pieces of drama. He presents us with a doozy here, a sort of corporate espionage story that examines tech companies' culpability for the applications of their technology and the impossibility of turning the messiness of humanity into standardized data. We humans are deeply flawed, so how can we expect what we create to be flawless?

    Libby is so good at writing plays that explore the intersection of technology and humanity, crafting nuanced, thought-provoking stories that also work as propulsive, finely wrought pieces of drama. He presents us with a doozy here, a sort of corporate espionage story that examines tech companies' culpability for the applications of their technology and the impossibility of turning the messiness of humanity into standardized data. We humans are deeply flawed, so how can we expect what we create to be flawless?

  • Nick Malakhow: Data

    Whew! A fast-moving and propulsive play that explores so much--ethics in tech, whistleblowing, the intersection of identity and social conscience, competition and success--in a taut 90 or so minutes. The huge themes are in contrast to the small and specific focus of the story and the distinct and unique characters. This piece truly is a masterclass in the notion of "universal resonance through looking at specific lives." The irregular, wordless interludes that punctuate the well-written scenes make for character-revealing transitions. Timely and would work beautifully onstage!

    Whew! A fast-moving and propulsive play that explores so much--ethics in tech, whistleblowing, the intersection of identity and social conscience, competition and success--in a taut 90 or so minutes. The huge themes are in contrast to the small and specific focus of the story and the distinct and unique characters. This piece truly is a masterclass in the notion of "universal resonance through looking at specific lives." The irregular, wordless interludes that punctuate the well-written scenes make for character-revealing transitions. Timely and would work beautifully onstage!

  • Dave Osmundsen: Data

    A tautly written and thought-provoking play about the difficult intersection between technological “innovation” and its impact on society as a whole. Libby writes sharp dialogue and sympathetic characters who are trying to keep a hold of their moral compass as the work they were hired to do becomes increasingly questionable. The plot is beautifully structured too, revealing just enough information to keep the audience involved as the story progresses. A fantastic play that is well worth a read!

    A tautly written and thought-provoking play about the difficult intersection between technological “innovation” and its impact on society as a whole. Libby writes sharp dialogue and sympathetic characters who are trying to keep a hold of their moral compass as the work they were hired to do becomes increasingly questionable. The plot is beautifully structured too, revealing just enough information to keep the audience involved as the story progresses. A fantastic play that is well worth a read!

View all 6 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Roundabout Theatre Company, Year 2024
  • Type Workshop, Organization National New Play Network (online), Year 2020

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Arena Stage, Year 2024
  • Type Professional, Organization Alliance Theatre (online), Year 2021

Awards

  • Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Award
    Alliance Theatre
    Winner
    2020
  • Premiere Play Festival
    Premiere Stages at Kean University
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • Goldberg Playwriting Prize Nominee
    NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Department of Dramatic Writing
    2020
  • NAPSeries
    Normal Ave.
    Semi-Finalist
    2020