In this unique adaptation of "The Adding Machine," the unremarkable Mr. Zero, an accountant, is unexpectedly replaced by an adding machine. What follows is a series of remarkable events during and after his life that are outside of his control--or are they?  In this devised adaptation, Director Ryan Purcell and student artists will examine the present-day emergence of artificial intelligence in the context of Rice’s prescient expressionistic classic of the 1920s.

The Adding Machine
A new adaptation based on the play by Elmer Rice.
Directed by Ryan Guzzo Purcell
May 23 - June 2, 2024
Previews May 18 & 21, 7:30 pm
Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse

Production Run Time: Approximately 2 hours plus a 10-minute intermission.

Content & Production Warnings: The Adding Machine contains descriptions of violence and descriptions of suicide as well as offensive language including racist and misogynist slurs. It also contains real-time language and image generation by artificial intelligence, which allows for the possibility of other problematic content.
This production contains a ten-second strobe effect and abrupt light and sound level changes.

ASL Matinee June 1, 2:00 pm: If you or anyone in your party would like to be seated close to the ASL interpreters for enhanced accessibility, please email ticket@uw.edu. We're committed to ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees.

May 30 Production: The May 30 production is a closed performance for a private event.