Machine Learning
by Francisco Mendoza

Name: Machine Learning
Brand: Francisco Mendoza
SKU: 9780573711701

Machine Learning Book Cover — Machine Learning Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

105 mins Present Day Role(s) for Asian Actor(s) Role(s) for Latine Actor(s) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Synopsis

When his estranged, alcoholic father is diagnosed with liver cancer, computer scientist Jorge dreams up a nursing app to manage the disease in his stead.

As the machine’s capabilities grow, however, the possibility of leaving it in charge of the treatment becomes more real, forcing Jorge to reckon with his responsibilities as a son and as a creator.

Dealing with issues of immigration, legacy and life dreams, Machine Learning explores what it means to be children – and what it means to be parents.

Press Reviews

"Though the characters are encompassed by calculations and functionality, not for one moment does [the show] ever feel robotic. If anything, Machine Learning brings out the ties that bind between a father and son in all of its illuminating calculations."
— The Sleepless Critic

"Rarely does a script emerge that focuses, equally, on emotional depth and scientific wonder. And, on top of that, it also takes a crack at forecasting our future. Playwright Francisco Mendoza’s thought-provoking Machine Learning manages to strike that difficult balance."
— The Arts Fuse

"What’s interesting about the bilingual show is that it doesn’t attempt to present definitive answers to the imminent questions about technology’s use in health care. However, through the lens of a father and son struggling to connect, it does present a balanced case — not too heavily laden with tech speak so that it’s unapproachable — that shows how leaning too much on tech alone could help or hurt."
— WBUR

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
JORGE 22-28, raised in the US.	—	22-28	22-28, raised in the US.
YOUNGER JORGE 7-11, born in Colombia, moved to the US at 10.	—	10	7-11, born in Colombia, moved to the US at 10.
GABRIEL 40s-60s, born and raised in Colombia, moved to the US at 45.	—	40s	40s-60s, born and raised in Colombia, moved to the US at 45.
ARNOLD A machine, born in Jorge’s mind.	—	—	A machine, born in Jorge’s mind.
ANITA 40s, born and raised in India, moved to the US at 18. Also plays	—	40s	40s, born and raised in India, moved to the US at 18. Also plays
DOCTOR ,	—	—	,
TEACHER ,	—	—	,
LEENA .	—	—	.