The adding machine

Written shortly after the First World War, The Adding Machine deals with the problems resulting from technological revolution. In our western economies technical progress has always unavoidably triggered the redundancy of human workers. In a similar way, Rices Mr. Zero is deprived of his work by the eponymous adding machine - and tragedy ensues. In recent times, various changes have left the labour market helpless in the face of increasing unemployment. With this in mind, The Adding Machine gives us a lot of food for thought. This drama ranks with the best of modern American problem plays, and is considered by many to be the first expressionist work of the American theatre.