Drawing from a tradition that started with Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" (who was in fact the doctor, not the monster in the original novel), Mark Levine's Arthur gives his wife a present that goes horribly wrong. Little Topsy, the innocent scientifically manufactured Neanderthal, doesn't understand simple commands and as a result is treated horribly first by the husband and then the wife. Funny as the play is, it is also a parable about how racism and speciesism and other such isms begin, and how well-meaning people are oblivious to their own cruelties. Levine has created a very necessary play here.

Disturbing but delightful...

What a treasure it was to see this short play by MARK HARVEY LEVINE at the 2023 Midwest Dramatists Conference. This original short play had me laughing one minute and terribly uncomfortable the next... exactly what LEVINE wanted and designed.

"They" "Them" "These" - It is a short leap form concern and humanity to superiority and dominance.

This little hand grenade of a play is a powerful look at how technology -- especially digital tech -- may advance seemingly at light-speed, becoming more sophisticated every day, but human nature doesn't evolve. In fact, in may devolve. I was torn between laughing at the absurd abuse depicted here and covering my eyes and ears out of fear during a reading at the 2023 Midwest Dramatists Conference. And the ending will stay with you -- uncomfortably so. Easy to stage, great roles -- should be produced!