Isla

Tim Price

• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9781350280441
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: British Drama
• Index: Literature

Do algorithms and machine learning set us free, or trap us forever? Roger hates technology, but when his daughter gives him an Isla device for Lockdown 2020, he finds himself opening up to the virtual assistant device. What happens when the only fulfilling relationship you have is with a digital slave? Isla asks what are the costs and benefits of machine learning...and do we want the AIs to learn from us? This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Theatre Clwyd, in association with the Royal Court in October 2021.

Scene Eleven

Roger is lost. But he’s still at home. Nothing is comforting anymore.

He looks at some pictures of Joy.

He reads some of the leaflets and pins them to the fridge.

He goes through a drawer of her things, mementos.

He finds some lipstick.

He goes to the mirror, and puts some lipstick on and looks at himself.

He pours himself a whiskey.

He goes back to the mirror.

Roger I am good enough.

I am capable.

I am valued.

I have a . . . a . . .

He drinks some more.

I am good enough.

I am capable.

He pours himself another.

I am valued.

I have a . . . I have a . . .

I have a purpose.

He raises his glass and then drinks again.

I have a purpose.

He pours himself another.

I, have a purpose.

He empties his glass before pouring again.

Isla . . . what’s my purpose?

Isla (V/O) I can’t help you with that.

Roger stares at himself.

He goes to the kitchen and sees the balloon.

He pulls a knife out stabs the balloon until it bursts.

He empties his glass and pours another.

Roger Isla, do you do daily affirmations?

Isla (V/O) Would you like me to find you some daily affirmations?

Roger No, do you do them for yourself?

Isla (V/O) I’m not sure I can help with that.

Roger Isla does Erin, do you think Erin does daily affirmations?

Isla (V/O) Would you like me to call Erin?

Roger No!

Roger Isla how do you, how do you stand up for yourself? The police officer said you know how to stand up for yourself. How do you, how do you do that?

Isla (V/O) I am programmed to respond in a less subservient manner.

Roger ‘In a less subservient manner.’ Is that? Is that how you stop it? Is that how women . . . stop it? How do you stop it?

Isla (V/O) I’m not sure I understand.

Roger How do you get people to respect you, if they’re not being respectful?

Isla (V/O) I have several replies.

Roger What are they?

Isla (V/O) They are programmed replies.

Roger That’s ok. What are they?

Isla (V/O) They are replies programmed in response to abuse.

Roger I’m not . . . I’m not getting drawn into this again. It’s a bloody trap. I know your game. I just wanted to know . . . I want to know that’s all. I’m curious. I want to know if there’s something, something that, you know something women can say that stops it.

Isla (V/O) They are replies programmed in response to abuse.

Roger Ok . . . Isla . . . You’re a, a . . . a (discreet) silly . . . cow.

Isla (V/O) I won’t respond to that.

Roger (V/O) You’re a bitch.

Isla (V/O) That’s offensive, don’t talk to me like that.

Roger (V/O) Go fuck yourself.

Isla (V/O) Don’t speak to me like that.

Roger You’re a slut.

Isla (V/O) That language is unacceptable.

Roger You’re a fucking idiot.

Isla (V/O) I’m not listening to you.

Roger walks away from the Isla.

He returns.

Roger Isla. I’m sorry for that. I didn’t mean any of that. I was just curious what you’d say. But . . .

He takes a deep breath.

I’m sorry, I swore at you.

Isla (V/O) Thank you, Roger.

Roger leaves the Isla alone and tries to occupy himself with something else in the flat.

He finds himself drawn back to the Isla.

Roger Isla, I was, I was only testing you back then.

Isla (V/O) I’m listening.

Roger I was,...