Hanna Kime’s new play “The Targeted” offers a nuanced exploration of a group known as “Targeted Individuals” (TIs), people who believe they are subject to harassment and surveillance through technologies such as implanted devices and microwave attacks. The production, presented by A Red Orchid Theatre at the Chopin Theatre and directed by Grace Dolezal-Ng, is set in 2017 at a retreat called the “Solidarity and Truth Summit,” where TIs gather to share their experiences and seek solidarity.

The play centers on a diverse group of characters, including longtime community members Rhonda and Didi, and newer arrivals Sherry and Eric, who is accompanied by his sister Mia. Mia, a “normie” or non-targeted individual, attends the summit in an effort to understand Eric's perspective and to prevent him from further isolation. The interactions between these individuals form the core of the drama, providing insight into their shared struggles and divergent responses to their experiences.

Unlike many fictional treatments of conspiracy theories, “The Targeted” does not pursue a thriller or satirical narrative focused on uncovering government conspiracies or diagnosing mental health conditions. Instead, the play emphasizes the characters’ fundamental human needs: the need to be understood, to belong, and to find love. This focus is evident in the way the characters engage with Mia, who represents a skeptical yet respectful viewpoint.

Jeff, a TI and organizer of the retreat portrayed by Lawrence Grimm, uses carefully prepared presentations to persuade Mia of the validity of the group’s beliefs, drawing on documented historical government misdeeds as evidence. Meanwhile, Rhonda, played by Kirsten Fitzgerald, is resistant to Mia’s presence, revealing both her desire for a safe space free of skepticism and a stronger impulse to maintain control over the group’s narrative. The dynamic between Rhonda and Eric, performed by Glenn Obrero, stands out for its intensity and complexity, with moments that humanize both characters and expose deeper emotional layers.

Kime’s play conveys a complicated sympathy for the TIs, recognizing the real suffering they endure while acknowledging their capacity to inflict distress as well. The TIs’ need for validation within their community reinforces their beliefs and behaviors, complicating attempts by outsiders to challenge their worldview.

In its conclusion, “The Targeted” suggests that confrontation or argument is unlikely to change the minds of conspiracy believers. Instead, the play advocates for compassion and kindness, emphasizing the importance of love and understanding for those grappling with experiences that isolate them from broader society.