Robots taking over our jobs, and sometimes our lives, has been the stuff of science fiction as long as the genre has existed. Yet it seems that more and more, those visions of the future are becoming closer to reality. Graham Isador’s TRUCK takes those anxieties about job loss and widespread automation and makes them a reality. Funny and thought-provoking, TRUCK shows us a future we both desire and fear.

The year is 2032 and Edison, a giant tech conglomerate, is making huge strides in automation. Meanwhile, all of the long-haul truckers in North America are on strike, asking for paid sick leave and a living wage – the basics. Nathan Dalton is a charismatic truck driver who’s essentially leading the charge in this strike against the trucking companies. His friend, Alan Moxley, is less than enthusiastic about being in front of the crowds, but he’s been a trucker for 15 years, loves his job, and wants to help the cause. But when Alan is suddenly approached by Jamie Baker, an Edison representative, he’s given an offer that’s very difficult to refuse. Throwing his morals and resolve into question, everything that Alan has known is about to change, and he’s definitely not happy about it.

We’ve all seen the films or read the stories of robots taking over the planet: it starts with small convenient things and then once they’re in every home they suddenly turn evil and hold humanity hostage. While that certainly hasn’t come to pass (yet) we’re seeing a decided uptick in technology’s use in our daily lives. ChatGPT and other learning algorithms are writing more and more on the internet, and AI seems to be integrated into everything, whether you want it or not. Yet we haven’t gotten to the point where robots are cooking for us or able to fully clean the house (no shade to the Roomba, you do your job well). TRUCK clearly stems from the fear that’s been instilled in us through those early sci-fi tales about automatons replacing us and our jobs, and then what are we to do? As technology progresses further, this is likely going to become less of a hypothetical, and something we’re going to have to really grapple with, as Alan does in the play. You can tell from Alan’s final speech that it’s the core of this play: the solo version which Isador originally wrote and the rest has blossomed from there. The story which has emerged is one which feels possible; from the shady dealings of the tech company to the backstabbing and betrayals, it’s like something ripped from the headlines.

Bringing this interesting cast of characters to life is an equally exciting group of actors. Craig Lauzon gives a stellar performance as Alan; his quiet, reserved personality is such a direct contrast to the other characters and Lauzon plays it so well. Tim Walker is an energetic and charismatic Nathan, often hyping up the crowd as well as Alan. Ellie Moon goes full Elizabeth Holmes with her portrayal of Jamie Baker: unhinged and exuberant, it’s every stereotype we’ve come to expect and she executes it perfectly. This trio is joined on stage by Ron Kelly, who controls all of the sound effects for the production from the side of the stage. Though most of the time invisible, he’s often referred to by Baker during the show in an odd yet somehow fitting breaking of the reality of the play.

I never thought that AI would even come close to taking away this job…until it did. It’s a reality creative folks all over the world are having to deal with. TRUCK brings this potential reality to the lives of the Everyman, and in doing so asks us if this is the future we truly desire. TRUCKs poignant script and unmistakable characters make it feel like it’s part prophecy and part reflection on today’s society. Let’s hope that this is an indication of more sci-fi stories coming to the stage…and that they’ll stay science fiction.

TRUCK runs in the Studio Space at Factory Theatre until April 6. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.factorytheatre.ca/shows/truck/

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Cover Photo: Craig Lauzon and Tim Walker. Photo by Eden Graham.

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