Sisters
by Matthew Libby
About Sisters
A world premiere set in the ever-nearing future, Sisters tracks Matilda and Greta, who over the course of 90 years live their lives together: growing up, growing close, learning, lying, hurting, and healing. However, Greta is an advanced A.I. and Matilda is a human woman. This is a play created and performed by humans to explore real love in the age of artificial intelligence.
Jihan Haddad and Madeleine Barker
CAST
Jihan Haddad as Matilda
Madeleine Barker as Greta
PRODUCTION
Director: Aileen Wen McGroddy
Stage Manager: Julia Egizio
Scenic Designer: Tatiana Kahvegian
Costume Designer: Camilla Dely
Lighting Designer: Jen Fok
Sound and Video Designer: Alek Deva
Photos by Kata Sasvari
World Premiere Production at Northern Stage, 2024
“The bold staging of a stimulating script proves that both breathtaking spectacle and intimate intensity can emerge from the emotional weight of two characters, talking... It’s an acting masterwork that unspools effortlessly and never stops surprising.”
“It stays grounded in the humanity of its protagonists, resulting in a tender story about two individuals whose love for each other finds a way to transcend even the most fundamental of differences.”
“McGroddy navigates... with care, never shying away from the sisters’ flaws nor demonizing them, either. ”
“Director Aileen Wen McGroddy establishes such a strong relationship between them that every beat in the play is built together.”
“The text’s consideration of infinity is realized in space — the play becomes a visceral experience.”
“The most overwhelming moment uses story and stage effects to make us feel, in our bones, the horror of deep loneliness. Sisters is a reflection on being human, being alone and being connected, but it operates emotionally, reaching viewers through the heart as well as the mind.”
Photos of Madeleine Barker as Greta in the offstage vocal performance booth: