How well does the algorithm really know you? Can people follow you through your Myki account? Who is watching you through the camera in your phone? Maybe you don’t care. Who would find your data that interesting? Well, most likely, nobody. Unless you have the misfortune of every detail of your life being tracked down by a gang of curious and slightly obsessive actor-turned-hacker extraordinaires.
‘I Have No Enemies’ is a masterful and comedic new work from Bare Witness Theatre Co, that delves into surveillance and cyber security in the 21st Century. With an almost nonexistent fourth wall, the audience is drawn into the high-tech underground world of actors Chris (Christopher Samuel Carrol), Brendan (Brendan Kelly), Lloyd (Lloyd Allison-Young, and Rachel (Rachel Pengilly). Chris recalls his former life as a transcriber, and one peculiar seven-minute voice message he was hired to transcribe. Intrigued by this bizarre voice message, and on a mission to understand just how much of our lives are entwined with the internet, he and his friends delve into the dark and dangerous world of internet deep dives, databases, and the minute personal details of some guy named Phil.Â
The show is impeccably witty and performed at break-neck speed, with incredible performances from all the cast. Christopher Samual Carrol leads the piece expertly as both director and performer, keeping the audience rapt throughout. The humour is unrelenting and delivered with ease by the cast, although at times the internet references feel a little cringey, an easy trap to fall into when putting memes and TikTok challenges in a real-life space. As the emotion picks up in the second act, we see cracks form within the ensemble, who wonder if this is all really worth it. The emotional beats are cutting and fiery, as each individual clings to the edge of sanity brought about by this morally questionable crusade.Â
Projection technology is seamlessly integrated with the rest of the performance, skillfully crafted by Chloe Brett and Brad Moss from SilverSun Pictures. Bringing the chaotic aesthetic of 90s hacker flicks within the fingertips of the audience, it quite literally creates a virtual reality at times. The design of the show resembles a high-tech spy base and is utilised cleverly by the cast, which is only enhanced by the raw interior of the Explosives Factory stage.Â
Ultimately, the show serves as a wake-up call, a bucket of water thrown over the audience’s face, making us aware of just how much of our lives are on the internet. Each viewer leaves simultaneously yearning for the simpler early-internet days and a disdain for it altogether. ‘I Have No Enemies’ delivers a risky and relevant piece of theatre that triumphs as a new work.Â
Book tickets for "I Have No Enemies" at https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2024/i-have-no-enemies