Robbie Curran and Alice Victoria Winslow in Moderation [Suzette Coon]

A MAN (Robbie Curran) and a woman (Alice Victoria Winslow) sit side by side tapping their keyboards. They are social media content moderators.

Every day they have to view disturbing images of violence, pornography and abuse, as well listening to countless conspiracy theories. They flag unacceptable content and, if necessary, “remove, suspend, report.”

We are given glimpses of what they are viewing via Abbie Lucas’s video footage projected onto the wall.

HE is her boss and is desperate to consolidate his managerial role. HE claims to be writing a play, which could turn into “an interactive Virtual Reality experience”. SHE says she needs the work in order to look after her sick mother.

The pair discuss the possibility of becoming “brainsick”, although they’re allowed to see a counsellor any time they feel overwhelmed. They have carefully timed “bio breaks” and in between share anecdotes, and sometimes food.

As the power dynamic shifts between the two, writer Kevin Kautzman keeps us guessing as to who is the most reliable narrator.

Every so often, we hear birds tweeting. Is this a heavy-handed hint about the faceless corporation that employs them? Things become darker when they start threatening to report the other for harassment. Who will be believed? Do they have proof? Then a jokey aside undercuts the tension.

What starts off as a fascinating exploration about the dangers of repeated exposure to X-rated content descends into a bittersweet play about office politics. It’s a shame because there are flashes of brilliance in Kautzman’s drama, Lydia Parker does her best with the static setting, and the actors give assured performances.

But Moderation feels undercooked, as though Kautzman hasn’t settled on his central theme and tone, and something more incisive is struggling to emerge.

Until April 5
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