In his latest Broadway fixture "McNeal,” Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar delves into the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), plagiarism and storytelling. Directed by Bartlett Sher, the play stars Robert Downey Jr. in his Broadway debut as Jacob McNeal, a renowned novelist grappling with alcoholism and mental illness at the peak of his career. However, while well-executed, the play itself lacks clarity and meaningful discourse on AI and ethics, focusing instead on the protagonist's narcissism and self-obsession.
"McNeal" begins in a doctor’s office where the protagonist, awaiting a call from the Swedish Academy for the annual literature Nobel Prize, dismisses warnings on his alcohol abuse from Dr. Sahra Grewal, played by Ruthie Anne Miles. Despite his failing health, McNeal's main preoccupations are his latest novel and the prestigious award. Amid his scrambled thoughts and grievances against technology and personal injustices, his fascination with AI manifests in his new novel that uses historical speeches, Bible passages, and excerpts from his late wife's unpublished work.
Unfortunately, the core theme of the play misses its mark. Instead of exploring the intended horror of AI, it dwells on the ethics of using others' stories as original content. The narrative sidelines the impact of AI in art and literature for discussions on plagiarism, offering no unique insight for the audience.
Jacob, as a character, is mostly distasteful, using alcohol as an armour that amplifies his misogyny and narcissism. The tonality of the play is disrupted by uncomfortable and unnecessary plot additions, such as the suggestion of incest. Even the final scenes, with the women in Jacob's life hovering in the background, fail to clarify if this is a hallucination or another AI narrative.
Cumbersome dialogue hampers the performances, turning otherwise notable actors into merely supporting figures. It's only in a conversation with a New York Magazine reporter, Natasha Brathwaite (played by Brittany Bellizeare), that a character is allowed to truly interact with and challenge Jacob.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, "McNeal" shines in its visual representation, boasting a stunningly staged production. Set at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the set design, lighting, sound engineering, and digital effects conjure an engrossing experience for the spectators, allowing them to remain engaged even amidst a confusing narrative.
Overall, "McNeal" seems indecisive, its narrative directionless with a blend of genres and absence of a distinct theme. Jacob remains an enigma. The play, rather than an exploration of AI ethics, turns into a portrayal of a self-absorbed man treating others as mere props for personal gain.
