A captivating Slate articles inspired Roko’s Basilisk. (Photo courtesy of Capital Fringe

Reminds us of: Black Mirror meets an infertility support group.

Flop, Fine or Fringe-tastic: Fine.

Writer Matthew Marcus came up with the idea for Roko’s Basilisk after reading this Slate article about “the most terrifying thought experiment of all time.” The theory is complicated, but in brief, it posits that there’s a godlike “AI Slender Man” that reaches back from the future to punish those not actively working on its creation today.

Similar to Quantum Suicide, Marcus’ show at last year’s Fringe, Roko’s Basilisk mixes a TED Talk-style lecture with volunteer demonstrations to make the theoretical personal. Mike Rudden plays a convincing artificial intelligence enthusiast, though for the uninitiated, his explanations of timeless decision theory and simulations scrawled on a whiteboard could be difficult to follow. For a head start, read the Slate article in advance and consider whether you are a “one-boxer” or “two-boxer.”

For most viewers, Roko’s Basilisk, the theory, will seem more like the masturbatory invention of techies than anything legitimately terrifying. But the show remains in the gray about whether we should take it seriously or not, and Rudden’s character’s desperate account of trying to have a baby with his wife adds a decidedly human side to the crazed-sounding technologist. The show is strongest at bringing game theory to life through narrative but reaches out of range with a series of ‘a-ha’ moments that are a bit too predictable to pack the intended punch.

Where to See It: Christ United Methodist Church, 900 4th St. SW

When to See It: Friday, July 20 at 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 21 at 8:15 p.m.; Sunday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m.; or Saturday, July 28 at 2:45 p.m.

Check out all of our coverage of this year’s Capital Fringe Festival here.