←Recommendations of 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?

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!

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!

"The Social Network" meets "1984" in this riveting, timely corporate thriller. Libby shows an acute talent with handling high-concept tech jargon and releasing a plot's twists and turns bit by bit, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Playwrights Foundation enthusiastically recommends this play, DATA, as a Semi-Finalist for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival 2020. We were moved by the quality of the writing and the relevant and compelling themes that spoke to the mission of our festival. It excelled in a competitive process of 735 plays submitted this year and rose to the top after a six month long process discussing its merits with both national and local Bay Area readers, and we hope it moves swiftly towards production.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize “Data” by Matthew Libby as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “Data” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by Matthew’s ability to convey the disturbing relevance of the play’s technological and racial subject matter through nuanced, specific characters and a tightly structured story. Our congratulations and thanks to Matthew.