Qualia
Off-Broadway Project
Qualia is a fascinating new work that surprised me in several ways. Check it out so when it's famous someday you can say you "saw it when."” - Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel.
QUA·LI·A
/ˈkwälēə/
noun - Philosophy
The internal and subjective component of sense perceptions, arising from stimulation of the senses by phenomena. - For example, the beauty of a gorgeous sunset
After intense heat triggers massive reactor explosions across the United States, a former nurse spends five years alone in a nuclear fallout shelter. Her only companion is Dominic, a computer system with human emotions who wishes to be granted a body. After a series of tests, Alex and Dominic plateau in their experiments and hope dwindles. But when Seth, a former robotics scientist and friend of Alex, finds the bunker, Alex and Dominic plot together to further their experiment. But the prospect of humanity outside the bunker is both enticing and terrifying, and Alex finds herself faced with the decision to leave and rejoin human society...or stay with Dominic and push forward toward an uncertain future.
/ˈkwälēə/
noun - Philosophy
The internal and subjective component of sense perceptions, arising from stimulation of the senses by phenomena. - For example, the beauty of a gorgeous sunset
After intense heat triggers massive reactor explosions across the United States, a former nurse spends five years alone in a nuclear fallout shelter. Her only companion is Dominic, a computer system with human emotions who wishes to be granted a body. After a series of tests, Alex and Dominic plateau in their experiments and hope dwindles. But when Seth, a former robotics scientist and friend of Alex, finds the bunker, Alex and Dominic plot together to further their experiment. But the prospect of humanity outside the bunker is both enticing and terrifying, and Alex finds herself faced with the decision to leave and rejoin human society...or stay with Dominic and push forward toward an uncertain future.
What The Press Are Saying...
Orlando
“…trust me when I say Ashleigh Ann Gardner’s drama is the kind of thoughtful theatre Orlando needs more of. This is theatre to enjoy in the moment - and think about afterwards...[Jullien] Aponte deftly keeps [Seth] passionate but enigmatic. And in a moment where joy suffuses his face as he devours food after going days without eating says as much about being human as any words can...Jason Blackwater gives a beautifully nuanced vocal performance as Dominic. He makes you feel for this artificial intelligence as much as Alex does. It’s a critical component of the story to make Alex’s ultimate dilemma meaningful…[Ashleigh Ann] Gardner’s too clever for the old cliches. She’s tickling our minds with thoughts of ethics, the nature of love, the resilience of humans and the difference between existing and living..Much of this is in the more than capable hands of Megan Borkes, as Alex. through laughter, tears, fear and determination, she beautifully embodies both the strength of the human condition and its frailties. Her triumph belongs to all of us. And so does her despair...Qualia is a fascinating new work that surprised me in several ways. Check it out so when it's famous someday you can say you "saw it when."” - Matt Palm, Orlando Sentinel.
"While [Megan] Borkes is impressive in her own right, along with [Jason] Blackwater’s voice acting, the show really takes off when the trifecta is completed by Jullien Aponte’s entrance. Aponte is truly stellar to behold; his Seth is lived-in, and completely, utterly, real. If acting is reacting, then what Aponte is doing here is being...Gardner allows you to fancy yourself foresighted and imagine that you know where the story is going; but even going into the final minutes of the show, it’s almost guaranteed that you don’t....It’s easy to see why Qualia was an award-winner in 2019, and the shape that it’s in today is indicative of a massive intellect channeled through an impressive prism of genre and creativity. With themes and subject matter touching on AI, isolation, and upended paradigms, it’s hard to believe that the original version was written before COVID-19 and ChatGPT; Gardner’s eerily perceptive drama pulls from all of these sources we now know to be collectively traumatic, and the impact is deeply memorable." - Benoit Teves, Orlando Performer
What The Audience Are Saying...
Audience reaction to the Preview performances at The Renaissance Theatre, Orlando in January 26 to February 11th 2024
"One word. Qualia."
"what does it mean to be human? Perfectly-crafted play with an outstanding cast provides a thought-provoking experience. The audience is carefully brought along on the characters’ journey with laughter and tears. Bring tissues — you will need them! "
"...a beautiful glimpse into a post-apocalyptic dystopia that grapples with questions of love, what we owe to each other, what we owe to ourselves, and so, so much more...Check it out while you can. It's a very, very special story. Brilliantly performed and executed. Myself and a few others were literally on the edge of our seats throughout! ...Ashleigh A Gardner has infused every word with humor and heart. It is playful, poignant, and at its heart a fascinating take on finding belonging in a world that may or may not make sense.
You're going to LOVE Megan Borkes in this play that gives her so, so much to work with and showcases her incredible versatility and talent. Additionally, the brilliant Jason Blackwater delivers an incredibly moving performance that will make you laugh and cry. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!"
You're going to LOVE Megan Borkes in this play that gives her so, so much to work with and showcases her incredible versatility and talent. Additionally, the brilliant Jason Blackwater delivers an incredibly moving performance that will make you laugh and cry. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!"
"If you like Sci-fi or Post Apocalyptic settings and character driven stories, this play is a must see!"
"...go see Qualia. I had the pleasure of seeing Megan Borkes absolutely kill it on opening night. She is so damn talented"
"I can't tell you enough times how enormous Megan Borkes' talent is.
Her performance in Qualia is exceptional, as is the story itself. What she is able to accomplish as an actor is just unreal....This performance and this level of connection by her and this cast HAS to be seen. so, GO SEE IT..."
Her performance in Qualia is exceptional, as is the story itself. What she is able to accomplish as an actor is just unreal....This performance and this level of connection by her and this cast HAS to be seen. so, GO SEE IT..."
"A Tour de Force! Amazing! I forgot where I was as I was drawn into an incredible script performed by equally incredible cast! Congratulations!!"
"Exceptionally performed storytelling about the persistence of love in unexpected places."
"Brilliant, thought-provoking play with amazing performances all around. Everyone should see this show! "
"Y'all. Make a point to go see Qualia...
Ashleigh A Gardner has written a deep dive examination into what it means to be truly human. She uses science and logic to further delve into one of the most complex parts of existence; love. In a time where a story about AI could feel ominous, you never once question the genuine connection between its lead characters. This is a Rom-Dram at its heart and a beautifully crafted one at that!
Seriously. Make a point to see this!
Megan Borkes is once again proving she's one of the most underrated, versatile actors in Orlando. She fuels what could come off as sci-fi tech jargon with enough passion to keep you riveted. But it's in the smaller, human, moments that she truly shines. From trying to hide embarrassment about her before-bed activities, to munching on a Twizzler when she has a breakthrough, Alex goes from "character" to a real person we all know.
Her and Jason Blackwater have an onstage chemistry that is so palpable, you forget that one of them isn't even on stage."
Ashleigh A Gardner has written a deep dive examination into what it means to be truly human. She uses science and logic to further delve into one of the most complex parts of existence; love. In a time where a story about AI could feel ominous, you never once question the genuine connection between its lead characters. This is a Rom-Dram at its heart and a beautifully crafted one at that!
Seriously. Make a point to see this!
Megan Borkes is once again proving she's one of the most underrated, versatile actors in Orlando. She fuels what could come off as sci-fi tech jargon with enough passion to keep you riveted. But it's in the smaller, human, moments that she truly shines. From trying to hide embarrassment about her before-bed activities, to munching on a Twizzler when she has a breakthrough, Alex goes from "character" to a real person we all know.
Her and Jason Blackwater have an onstage chemistry that is so palpable, you forget that one of them isn't even on stage."
"Megan Borkes held my breath and attention for the entirety of the show. Jason Blackwater and Julien balanced their performance perfectly. And Ashleigh Ann Gardner has written a show that enthralled me in the room and I continue to think about."
"Got to see Qualia last night at the Renaissance Theatre Company and wowowowowow what an absolute artistic masterpiece. Today is the last chance you have to see it....so if you haven't seen it yet ...yikes!!!!"
"Qualia at Renaissance Theatre Company! That’s what’s on my mind, Facebook! Gorgeous work by ALL! ❤️❤️❤️"
"Just saw Ashleigh Ann Gardner’s Qualia at the Ren. I just… y’all. Y’ALL. It’s so good. The concept, the writing, the execution… to be so complex in thought and simultaneously so immediately understandable is no small feat. The text speaks so profoundly to the human condition in ways I’m still trying to grasp, and, some day, I hope to steal some of the language for my wedding vows. And my friends Megan Borkes and Jason Blackwater… the way they navigated that text and those emotions while being completely real and authentic. That kind of vulnerability and honesty is altogether too rare, and it was a joy to witness. GO SEE IT."
"Go and see it! You’ll be happy you did and sad if you didn’t."
Cast
Click the pictures for more information
Creative
Renaissance Theatre 2024
Photo Credit: Ashleigh A Gardner
Promotional Gallery
Photo credit: Ashleigh A Gardner