(Hidden) In the Screen

Synopsis

In “(Hidden) In The Screen,” Daniel York introduces us to two main characters, an East Asian man and woman in their 20s, who are trapped in the monotony of a modern office environment, their lives dominated by the ever-present glow of computer, television, and phone screens. The play, divided into four sections, explores key themes such as cultural identity, stereotyping, the impact of technology on human interaction, and the historical context of East-West relations, including colonialism and exploitation. Through a series of poetic monologues delivered by recorded voices, interspersed with the characters’ repetitive tasks, the audience is drawn into the characters’ inner lives and their struggles with conformity, assimilation, and the suppression of individuality.

As the play progresses, the characters, referred to as “Ordinary (Oriental) boy” and “Ordinary (Oriental) girl,” begin to question their place in society and the way they are perceived by others. The monologues delve into the complexities of their cultural identity and the expectations placed upon them by a Western-dominated society. In the final section, the characters come close to recognizing each other and their shared experience, but ultimately leave separately, highlighting the missed opportunity for connection and understanding in a world dominated by screens. “(Hidden) In The Screen” is a thought-provoking and poignant commentary on the experiences of East Asians in modern society, presented through a unique blend of dialogue, monologue, and stage action.