Estranged from his wife and son during the pandemic lockdown, Frank accepts a job as a content moderator for the world’s largest social media company. As he evaluates a never-ending stream of questionable content, the work takes an emotional and psychological toll. However, everything changes when Frank sees an opportunity to help a stranger and save himself in the process. Drama Desk Award-winning playwright Ken Urban (A Guide for the Homesick), and two-time Obie Award Winner director Jared Mezzocchi create a haunting, enveloping technological mindscape that explores the essence of human connection.

THE MODERATE
by Ken Urban
directed by Jared Mezzocchi
February 5 – March 1, 2026
A Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Production

Production Sponsors
Roy Cockrum Foundation
Funded in part by the Council for the Arts at MIT
Zach Durant-Emmons and Willis Emmons
National Arts Relief Fund, Americans for the Arts
Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation

The Moderate explores the lives of content moderators who witness the darker side of social media. The play contains mature themes including images, video, and audio depictions of violence, nudity, and racism.

For more details of the sensory experiences and themes audiences will experience in advance of attending The Moderate, please read our Content Transparency Statement. If you have any additional questions about content, age-appropriateness, or stage effects that might have a bearing on guest comfort, please utilize our Guest Experience Team at tickets@centralsquaretheater.org.

Writer
Director
Cast
Production