Flying V Brings AI Ethics to the Stage with Regional Premiere of Doctor Moloch

Flying V is set to challenge audiences this fall with the regional premiere of "Doctor Moloch," a cerebral science fiction thriller that explores the complicated intersection of artificial intelligence and human emotion. The production runs from October 20th through November 2nd, 2025 at the Silver Spring Black Box, with preview performances beginning October 17th.

Doctor Moloch presented by Flying V at Silver Spring Black Box Theater

Playwright Carla Milarch's thought-provoking work transports audiences to 2029, where a Silicon Valley tech genius has just completed development on the first humanoid medical AI. But Doctor Moloch, as the artificial intelligence is named, has a critical flaw: it lacks empathy. To remedy this deficiency before a multi-million dollar contract is finalized, the company brings in Serena Blaise, an award-winning actress in the twilight of her career, to teach the AI how to "be human." The premise sets up a fascinating collision between technology and performance, raising questions about what it truly means to be human and whether such qualities can be taught or programmed.

The production comes to the DC area with impressive credentials from its previous runs. Vivian Kane of KC Studio praised it as a work that "Challenges its audience to think deeply about artificial intelligence...a natural conversation starter on top of being a compelling piece of theatre." Brock Wilbur of The Pitch went even further, calling it "A massive accomplishment not just in delivery and theme, but in subverting expectations...It is vital work arriving at a pivotal moment."

For Flying V, a performing arts nonprofit known for bringing nerd and pop culture to Montgomery County stages, "Doctor Moloch" represents a perfect marriage of mission and moment. "As the DMV's nerd and pop culture theater company, how could we not play with the complexities of the AI zeitgeist," asks navi, the company's Artistic Lead who serves as showrunner for this production. "Doctor Moloch gives us an opportunity to explore the entwined paths of humanity and technology on stage in a uniquely Flying V fashion!"

The production is directed by Madeleine Regina, whose previous credits include "Feminist Fairytales" and "Vox Elysium." The cast features Nhea Durousseau as Serena Blaise, James Finley as Doctor Moloch, Andrew Chi as Mo, and Tatyana Ridgeway as Alexa. The creative team also includes Dom Ocampo on scenic design, Nyasha Klusmann handling costumes and props, Taariq Saadiq designing sound, and Malory Hartman on lighting design.

Flying V has built its reputation on creating larger-than-life moments on small stages, using immersive world building to connect audiences with both the stories being told and with each other. This approach seems particularly well-suited to "Doctor Moloch," which demands audiences grapple with increasingly relevant questions about artificial intelligence, authenticity, and the essence of human connection.

Tickets for "Doctor Moloch" are $35, with Pay What You Want options and doorbuster deals available. The Silver Spring Black Box is located at 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Given the timely subject matter and the production's strong reviews from previous runs, this promises to be one of the fall season's most thought-provoking theatrical experiences in the Washington area.