Tucson is lucky to have Rogue Theatre, which is now staging heartbreaking 'Marjorie Prime'

The Jordan Harrison play is about loss — loss of memory, loss of control, loss of those we’ve loved. And oh, yes, artificial intelligence.

The story is set in the mid 21st century. Marjorie is 86, widowed and her memory fades in and out. She lives with her strident daughter, Tess, and Tess’ empathetic husband, Jon.

Also a constant presence is Walter, a hologram, or prime, version of Marjorie’s late husband. He (it?) has been fed Marjorie’s memories by members of the household. Memories Marjorie can muster up and a few she makes up, ones her daughter recalls about her mother, and memories Jon thinks she would be happy to hold on to. And Marjorie and Walter recall those memories together.

This play, beautifully, eloquently directed by Christopher Johnson, is haunting. It is painful to watch Marjorie fade and impossible not to see ourselves, our parents, grandparents, in her. Cynthia Meier gives a nuanced performance as she brings a close-to-death Marjorie to life.

Marjorie and her daughter Tess have long had a difficult relationship, and bitterness and anger are still possessing the middle-aged Tess (Carley Elizabeth Preston is understated and perfect in the role).

The talented Matt Walley plays the kind and patient Jon. He holds the belief that Walter’s hologram is what will keep Marjorie from slipping further away. Tess has serious doubts about that. And Ryan Parker Knox is sublime as the slightly stiff, slightly detached Walter, who effortlessly feigns a kernel of compassion.

To say much more would be saying too much, but know there are several holograms in the play, and each is more disturbing than the last. And the last scene may well bring the horrors of AI home.

It is impossible to shrug off this play. Thoughts of the importance — and the truths — of what we remember linger. The role AI already plays in our lives is big — and this play makes us think about what we are sharing of ourselves to help make it more efficient. Now that one is just plain scary.

The Rogue, once again, entertains and provokes us. We’re lucky Tucson has the theater company.

“Marjorie Prime” is at The Rogue Theatre, 300 E. University Blvd., through March 16. Tickets are $47 at theroguetheatre.org or 520-551-2053. The play runs about 90 minutes, with no intermission.