In '4000 Miles,' a Robot Waitress's Struggles Reveal Questions About Emotion and Meaning
• Play features a robot consultant, Vera (Rinabeth Apostol), whose attempts to help a struggling pho restaurant reveal her inhuman nature • Vera's facial expressions and reactions showcase the battle between genuine feeling and her programming • The play prompts thought about whether an idealized simulation lacking obstacles is meaningful • Supporting characters like the food critic (Will Dao) provide comic highlights • Projection design by Hao Bai impresses as the set seems to expand and contract around the audience