‘JOB’ Theater Review: The Dark Side of the Digital Realm

In a new thought-provoking production, the psychological Broadway thriller JOB explores the trauma of “Content Moderation” and delves into the profound challenges faced by a young tech professional as she grapples with the realities of the digital age.

The one-set play starts as a Gen Z techie holds a therapist at gunpoint in his office. As the play’s narrative unfolds, it reveals itself to be a hellish journey into the dark corners of the internet, where the protagonist (Jane) must remove offensive and disturbing material from the digital landscape. Torn between her sense of duty and the overwhelming trauma she experiences, Jane finds herself in a desperate search for a way to reconcile the moral and psychological burden she carries. She is forced to turn to therapy.

Jane’s therapist, Loyd (Peter Friedman), prides himself on taking on challenges in his work and, throughout the play, searches for the deeper cause of Jane’s pain. As he probes, he uncovers the depth of her emotional distress and gradually comes to understand her obsession with violence in the world and the cyber cosmos.

Portrayed by Sydney Lemmon, Jane’s character embodies a complex mix of intelligence, fierceness and deep-seated anguish. Her interactions with Loyd create a nuanced dialogue that delves into the generational divide, the challenges of mental health, and the profound impact of constant exposure to the darkest corners of the online world.

It is the weight of Jane’s responsibilities throughout the play that warrants an all-caps title.

JOB was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle’s John Gassner Award for playwright Friedlich. It officially opened on Broadway on July 30 and will run through September 29 at the Hayes Theatre (240 W. 44th St., New York, N.Y.).