THE SUMMONED WORLD PREMIERE

by Fabrizio Filippo directed by Richard Rose

Apr 20, 2016 – May 29, 2016 in the Mainspace Opens Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Resource Guide Created by: Kristin Raposo, Brittany Wiessler, and Anne Wessels

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE PLAY

Play Synopsis …………………………………………………………………………….……...…2

Character List …………………………………………………………………………….……..….2

Playwright Biography: Fabrizio Filippo …………………………………………….…….…..…..3

CONTEXTUALIZING THE PLAY

Media Resources: Photographs, Articles, Websites, and Videos …………….….…..…..4 – 9

Feature Films……………………………………………………………………………….…..…..10

Academic Resources: Articles from Relevant Academic Journals…….…….…………...…..11

DIRECT REFERENCES TO THE PLAY

Edward Snowden………………………………………………………………….…………..…..12

Salman Rushdie………………………………………………………………………………12 - 13

Ai Weiwei…………………………………………………………………………….……..….......13

Bono & U2………………………………………………………………………………….….…...13

Texas Instruments………………………………………………………………………….……..14

Molecular Gastronomy ……………………………………………………………………..…….14

Arrtistic Resources ……………………………………………………………………….......... ..15

APPLICATION IN THE CLASSROOM

“Ways In”: Activities ……………………………………………………………………….……...16

Critical Questions: Discussion Before and After the Performance.......................................17

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ABOUT THE PLAY Play Synopsis

Following the death of a billionaire tech visionary, the most important people in his life are summoned to an airport hotel for the reading of his will. They know to expect the unexpected, but what transpires is nothing short of a paradigm shift in the very fabric of these characters’ lives, the nature of mortality, and the future of technology. A world premiere from celebrated Canadian screenwriter, actor, and playwright Fabrizio Filippo.

Character List ANNIE – Hotel Manager 60 Female

ALDOUS – Annie’s Son 20’s Male

GARY – Company President 60’s Male

ISLA – Asst. Hotel Manager 20’s Female

KAREEM – Security Guard 30’s Male

LAURA – Lawyer 60’s Female

KHAN (VOICE ONLY) - 60’s Male

WALK-TALKY (VOICE ONLY) - 40’s Male

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Playwright Biography "www.fabriziofilippo.com." Fabrizio Filippo. Web. 11 May 2015. http://www.fabriziofilippo.com/

On stage, he starred in the critically-acclaimed Canadian premier of Kenneth Lonnergan’s play THIS IS OUR YOUTH, directed by actor Woody Harrelson in the Fall of 2003. Some of his other leading stage credits include leading roles in the Canadian premiere of the Australian hit play SUMMER OF THE ALIENS, and in the hit STEEL KISS (directed by the late, great Ken McDougall). After that, he travelled to New York to reprise his physically manic performance in Tod Hammond’s hit, WHITE/NOISE/JUMP, at New York’s first annual Fringe Festival. There Fab won special mention for his performance and the production picked up the “Best Play” award.

Fabrizio is currently developing a new comedy with his own company Shiny Happy Pictures

and Project 10 Productions for Global Television. He most recently appeared in digital series GUIDESTONES for CTV. He wrote on GlobalTelevision's new half-hour comedy WORKING THE ENGELS. Before that he co-wrote true crime indie, PERFECT SISTERS, starring Abigail Breslin and Mira Sorvino. Before that he wrote, starred and directed 3 seasons of half-hour SHOWCASE comedy, BILLABLE HOURS.

Some of his past credits include the lead role in CTV mini-series LIVES OF THE SAINTS,

starring opposite Sophia Loren. He also portrayed violin prodigy, Ethan Gold, on the award-winning Showtime series QUEER AS FOLK and received strong notice as Holden Van Dorn, the in and out of rehab `actor’ in the critically acclaimed, but short lived, Fox series ACTION, starring Jay Mohr.

Some other film credits include HOLLYWOOD NORTH (for director Peter O’ Brian), as well the

lead role in the independent feature waydowntown (Lot 47 & Odeon Films, dir: Gary Burns) which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival where it was awarded the City TV Award for Best Canadian Feature. Other film credits include LIFE BEFORE THIS for Alliance Atlantis and Romy Goulem’s indie THE DRIVE.

His TV series credits include the role of the underground film-maker in the hour-long gore

drama HOLLYWEIRD, for producers/creators Wes Craven and Shaun Cassidy, as well as the Paramount/Sci-Fi series LEVEL 9 in which he plays the rebel computer-hacker, Roland Travis (created by John Sacret Young). He was seen in three episodes as Buffy’s rebound boyfriend in BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

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CONTEXTUALIZING THE PLAY Media Resources PHOTOGRAPHS

� Cartoon

Image Link: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-

keMdj0uUEiw/Uo8kEPodpVI/AAAAAAAABnw/daBCdg02ZCQ/s640/tech_cartoon.gif

� History of the Internet Timeline

"History of the Internet Timeline - An Ever-Evolving Digital World." Malone Media Group. 20 Feb. 2014. Web. 6 May 2015. http://malonemediagroup.com/history-of-the-internet-timeline-an-ever-evolving-digital-world/.

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� Visual Timeline of Internet Milestones

"Visual Timeline of Internet Milestones." The Digital Executive RSS. 4 May 2012. Web. 6 May 2015. http://www.harbott.com/2012/05/04/visual-timeline-of-internet-milestones/

.

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� Infographic- “What the Tech”?

"What the Tech? A Profile of the Latest Tech News (And a Few Hiccups As Well) | Lab42." Market Research Blog Infographics Custom Research News Lab42. 14 Oct. 2011. Web. 6 May 2015. http://blog.lab42.com/what-the-tech-a-profile-of-the-latest-tech-news-and-a-few-hiccups-as-well.

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Newspaper Articles � The Guardian

Henley, Jon. "Why Our Children Need to Get Outside and Engage with Nature." Theguardian.com. The Guardian, 16 Aug. 2010. Web. 5 May 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/aug/16/childre-nature-outside-play-health

This article, from the health and wellness section of the newspaper, offers the author’s views about the importance of children getting outside and engaging with nature instead of technology. The author suggests that children spend a lot of time indoors using technology during crucial developmental stages. These views are supported by both statistics and testimonies.

� Nick Bostrom: ‘I Don’t Think the Artificial-Intelligence Train will Slow Down’

Griffiths, Rudyard. "Nick Bostrom: 'I Don't Think the Artificial-intelligence Train Will Slow Down'" The Globe and Mail. 1 May 2015. Web. 6 May 2015. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/munk-debates/nick-bostrom-i-dont-think-the-artificial-intelligence-train-will-slow-down/article24222185/.

In this interview with Nick Bostrom, he questions the advances of Artificial Intelligence and the speed at which they occur. Bostrom discusses the significant existential risks of creating Artificial Intelligence and its potential to overthrow humanity.

� Canadians' Internet Usage Nearly Double the Worldwide Average

Akkad, Omar El. "Canadians' Internet Usage Nearly Double the Worldwide Average." The Globe and Mail. 8 Mar. 2011. Web. 6 May 2015. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/tech-news/canadians-internet-usage-nearly-double-the-worldwide-average/article569916/.

This newspaper article from The Globe and Mail discusses Canada’s place in the world with reference to internet use. The article contains statistics regarding time spent online, trends on specific sites, and online advertising.

� Canadians Watch 30 hours of TV but for Many Web Dominates Free Time

Oliveira, Michael. "Canadians Watch 30 Hours of TV but for Many Web Dominates Free Time | Toronto Star." Thestar.com. 26 Apr. 2013. Web. 6 May 2015. http://www.thestar.com/life/technology/2013/04/26/canadians_watch_30_hours_of_tv_but_for_many_web_dominates_free_time.html.

This article compares Canadians’ television consumption with their time spent online. Referencing statistics on usage, this article suggests that it can be difficult to determine actual numbers as many people underestimate their time spent watching television and overestimate their time spent online.

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Websites � What Does it Mean to be Posthuman? Cohen, David. "What Does It Mean to Be Posthuman?" New Scientist. New Scientist, 13 May 2013. Web. 7 May 2015. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21829162.400-what-does-it-mean-to-be-posthuman.html#.VUtvbJPd--c.

This article defines posthuman technology and outlines some of the ways in which we already are posthuman. The author references books written by Kevin Fong and Rosi Braidotti. Students who are seeing the play The Summoned will benefit from having a clear idea of what being posthuman means.

Videos � Technology in the Early 1900’s

"The Science and Technology of the Early 1900s." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 5 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMeHdnYMJz4

This video provides a brief chronology of the technological advances over the early 1900’s. These technological inventions were adapted over time and have become the basis for much of the technology that we see and use today.

� Technological Advances – An Interactive Menu "TIMELINE OF TECHNOLOGY Interactive Menu." YouTube. YouTube, 31 July 2010. Web. 7 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjgH4TF5Y4s

This resource provides an interactive menu, offering a brief overview of the technological advances from the early 1920’s to the 2000’s.

“Ways In”: Things to Listen for While Watching the Play

Listen for historical references to technology.

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� Jamiroquai Song - Virtual Insanity

"Jamiroquai – Virtual Insanity." AZ Lyrics. AZ Lyrics. Web. 6 May 2015. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jamiroquai/virtualinsanity.html.

"Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity (Official Video)." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkIs37a2JE.

This mid 90’s track from Jamiroquai’s album Travelling Without Moving expresses concern with technological advancement and explores why these innovations are risky. One line in the song references to the Eugenics movement by saying, “And now every mother can choose the colour of her child, that’s not nature’s way”. The citations above provide links to the lyrics of the song as well as the music video on YouTube.

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Feature Films � 2001: Space Odyssey (1968)

"2001: A Space Odyssey - Original Trailer #1." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Feb. 2011. Web. 5 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6ywMnbef6Y

This is a link to the trailer of the original movie “2001: Space Odyssey” released in 1968.

� A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

“Artificial Intelligence: A.I. - Movie Trailer”. YouTube. YouTube, 15 April 2010. Web. 5 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqS83f-NUww

This is a link to the trailer of the original movie, “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” released in 2001.

� I, Robot (2004)

"I, Robot - Official Trailer [HD]." YouTube. YouTube, 17 May 2012. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL6RRIOZyCM

This is a link to the trailer of the original movie, “I, Robot” released in 2004.

� Transcendence (2014)

"Transcendence - Official Trailer 2 [HD]." YouTube. YouTube, 11 Feb. 2014. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QheoYw1BKJ4

This is a link to the original trailer for the movie “Transcendence” released in 2014.

“Ways In”: Things to Listen for While Watching

the Play

Listen for this music throughout the play.

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Academic Resources � Technology

Mainzer, Klaus. "Science, Technology and Utopia: Perspectives of a Computer-Assisted Evolution of Humankind." Thinking Utopia: Steps Into Other Worlds (2005): 104 -119. https://books.google.ca/books?id=pQAAfTJ8sj8C&lpg=PA104&ots=ljWOj2WhaY&dq=science%20technology%20and%20utopia%3A%20perspectives%20of%20a%20computer%20assisted%20evolution&lr&pg=PA112#v=onepage&q=science%20technology%20and%20utopia:%20perspectives%20of%20a%20computer%20assisted%20evolution&f=false

This article suggests that computer technology has affected biological evolution and human nature. The author references the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and explores the concept of natural evolution in the universe as well as artificial life and intelligence.

� Time Well Spent? Relating Television Use to Children's Free-Time Activities

Vandewater, Elizabeth A., David S. Bickham, and June H. Lee. "Time Well Spent? Relating Television Use to Children's Free-Time Activities." Time Well Spent? Relating Television Use to Children's Free-Time Activities. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2006. Web. 6 May 2015. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/2/e181.full.

This academic article examines the negative correlations between a child’s time spent watching television and how much time they spend completing homework, engaging with parents/siblings, or participating in creative play. No negative correlations were found between a child‘s time spent watching television and reading or participating in active play. This is one of the first studies to provide empirical support for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen time recommendations.

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DIRECT REFERENCES TO THE PLAY The following three controversial figures are briefly mentioned in the play. It may be

beneficial for students to be given a brief introduction to these figures in order to better understand the reference made to them within the play.

Edward Snowden � Video- “I Don’t Want to Live in a Society That Does These Sort of Things” "NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden: 'I Don't Want to Live in a Society That Does These Sort of Things'" YouTube. YouTube. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yB3n9fu-rM.

In this YouTube video, Snowden speaks about being a whistleblower and the implications of his actions. The entire video is informative, but one particular section is of interest (from 3:18 - 7:55 minutes) for its discussion of surveillance. � Snowden Timeline "Snowden Timeline." Snowden Timeline. 2015. Web. 6 May 2015. http://whistleblower.org/snowden-timeline.

This site provides a timeline on Edward Snowden’s activities as a whistleblower. It outlines

the information that he has shared with the public, the risks that he has taken to do so, and the implications of his actions.

Salman Rushdie

� Biography

"Salman Rushdie." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 06 May 2015. http://www.biography.com/people/salman-rushdie-39245

This brief biography provides information on Rushdie’s academic and career history, as well as his written works. It also briefly outlines his charge of blaspheming Islam, which necessitated the protection of the British government.

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� The Satanic Verses Robertson, Geoffrey, David Davidar, Ian McEwan, Peter Carey, Lisa Appignanesi, Peter Sissons, Inayat Bunglawala, Hanif Kureishi, Blake Morrison, and Nicholas Shakespeare. "Looking Back at Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses'" Satanic Verses. The Guardian UK, 14 Sept. 2012. Web. 6 May 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/sep/14/looking-at-salman-rushdies-satanic-verses.

This article in The Guardian highlights the accusation of blaspheming in Rushdie’s The

Satanic Verses and suggests why these accusations are unmerited. The article includes testimonies from writers, broadcasters, and friends with first-hand experiences of the Rushdie controversy. Ai Weiwei � Documentary- “Never Sorry” "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry." Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry. United Expression Media. Web. 6 May 2015. http://aiweiweineversorry.com/.

This documentary film about Ai Weiwei, Chinese activist and artist, has been rated R and may

not be appropriate for student audiences. It can provide teachers, however, with insights into his controversial work.

"Ai Weiwei Never Sorry Limited 2012 Dvdrip Xvid Lpd." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1ccUIyO7A0.

A version of the documentary can be found on YouTube using the link above. This particular

version contains parts in which English subtitles are missing.

Bono and U2 "Bono." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 06 May 2015. http://www.biography.com/people/bono-16257407

This web resource gives a detailed biography of Bono, the lead singer of the popular band “U2”. This resource provides an overview of his artistic and charitable work.

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Texas Instruments "Analog, Embedded Processing, Semiconductor Company, Texas Instruments - TI.com."

Analog, Embedded Processing, Semiconductor Company, Texas Instruments - TI.com. Texas Instruments Incorporated. Web. 5 May 2015. http://www.ti.com/

This website provides information on Texas Instruments, a large technological design and manufacturing company referenced in the play. It provides links to all products, applications, designs, tools, and software.

Molecular Gastronomy "What Is Molecular Gastronomy!?" YouTube. YouTube, 17 Oct. 2013. Web. 6 May 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbvQlKzSmkQ This video resource provides a definition for Molecular Gastronomy and looks at the scientific

and artistic components of this type of food science.

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Artistic Resources SET DESIGN

� TED Talks

The set of The Summoned is built to resemble the stage of a traditional “TED Talk”. The playwright specifies a bare stage with a large projection screen as a backdrop.

Image Link: http://workshoplovesyou.com/img/ted-youth-2012.jpg

MUSIC

� 2001: Space Odyssey Theme Song (1968) "Richard Strauss - Also Sprach Zarathustra (Opening) [HD]." YouTube. YouTube, 1 Sept. 2013. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rzDXNQxjHs

This is a link to the original theme song of the movie, 2001: A Space odyssey Theme Song. This instrumental song is called Sprach Zarathustra and was written by Richard Strauss.

� David Bowie (1969) "David Bowie- Space Oddity Original Video (1969)." YouTube. YouTube, 26 May 2006. Web. 6 May 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D67kmFzSh_o

“Ways In”: Things To Listen For While Watching The Play

How was this song used in the play? Why is it significant to the

characters and their story?

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“Ways In” Activities � Technology Mind Map

To begin discussion about technology, a mind map can be created and discussed. For this mind

map, students will write down the words Computer Technology in the middle of chart paper. From there, students will write down words, phrases, and pictures associated with computer technology.

� Journal: Technology Use

For this journal, students will keep a log of how many times they use their technological devices in a 24 hour period. After tracking their usage for a day, students will stop using a piece of technology for the next 24 hours. Students should record their experiences in their journals. Discuss the results of this experiment.

� Movement Piece

Students will create a movement piece that explores their interaction with technology. Students can either choose to show technology as an extension of their bodies, or their bodies as an extension of technology. Questions to consider: are we using computers or are computers using us? Do we control computer technology or does computer technology control us?

Computer Technology

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Critical Questions Pre-Performance Discussion Questions

The critical questions listed below would be great starting points to introduce students to the

themes and content of the play The Summoned. You may also want to consider asking students these questions again, after they have seen the play.

1. How much time would you say you spend online or on your phone? 2. What is your favourite piece of technology? What is your least favourite piece of technology?

Why? 3. What sort of applications do you use the most often and what do you use least often? 4. In what ways have technological advancements brought us closer together? 5. In what ways have technological advancements pulled us further apart from one another? 6. What do you know about recent technological advancements? What might be some ethical

issues involved with these advancements? 7. What excites you about technology? Is there anything that frightens you about technology? 8. Can you remember a time where you used less technology than you do today? Try to

remember that experience and discuss what it was like? 9. How much time do you spend outdoors/enjoying nature? Do you feel that living in a

technological age stops you from spending more time in nature? 10. How much time do you spend interacting with your friends in person rather than through social

media? 11. How much do you know about past inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell? 12. How much do you know about more recent inventors such as Steve Jobs? 13. Do you ever wish that your life could be more private? Does the internet reduce your privacy? 14. Do you feel that your “machines” (phones, laptops) are a part of you or are you an extension of

them?

Post-Performance Discussion Questions

The following critical questions are tailored more specifically to the play and are intended to be asked after students have seen the performance.

1. Discuss the quote: “we make our tools and our tools make us” (p. 4). What does this mean in general and for us as individuals?

2. Discuss the quote “if it can be done, it must be done” (p. 75). Is this an ethical declaration? Just because we have the technology to do something, does that really mean that we must or should do it?

3. Before you saw the play, you learned a little bit about Edward Snowden, Salman Rushdie, and Ai Weiwei. So far, these men have been “safe” from the repercussions of their actions and the condemnations that have been placed upon them by various governments. Does living in the digital age make activism more visible and more difficult for governments to control? In what ways are we “digital witnesses” who watch current events unfold? Has technology helped these people remain “safe”?