Anne O'Sullivan and Sara Koviak Photo by Mike Marques

According to Rivera, we move three decades forward as the two hander takes place within the confines of a well-worn New York City apartment. Aislin (Anne O'Sullivan) is in her seventies, has lost her husband, and is not in touch with her estranged son. His name is Roberto and he brings in someone or is it something to deal with his mother. Aislin is caustic but forthright, laces her language with the F-word and is entirely skeptical when Stacy (Sara Koviak), who happens to be an AI imbued robot, begins to issue advisories, hoping to enable the cranky, older woman to live a better life.

What to make of Stacy? She almost seems human at times but, then again, her gait, particularly during early moments, is awkward, wooden and stilted. Koviak excels when, for example, she exercises on more than one occasion; suffice to say this is an immensely pliable individual. Aislin, however, is dismissive and, at the very least, short with Stacy. Still, there's sense that Aislin does realize that the presence of another, part human and part robot, mitigates against loneliness. One gets the sense that Aislin does not often get out. She and her posters (The Museum of Modern Art, Shakespeare) and her toaster, some old furniture, remain in place. Designer Misha Kachman's choices are most appropriate.

Aislin does not suffer from dementia. She assesses Aislin as "beautiful and creepy," a distinctive José Rivera juxtaposition of qualities. As the story evolves, Stacy's capacity for compassion grows, and she understands that Aislin is terrified of death.

Risa Ando's costuming is important since wardrobe changes must match plot development. At the outset, Aislin mopes about her living area in a shabby bathrobe which is probably decades old. Stacy first appears in a tight-fitting pink top and gray leggings. Later, toward the conclusion of this two hour and fifteen minute production, she wears jeans and a far more comfortable looking top. Similarly, Aislin by now is more comfortably dressed.

These actresses, having previously performed the roles together, demonstrate pinpoint timing. Anne O'Sullivan, whose New York accent is spot-on, is a native of Ireland and has acted for 45 years in New York, on the regional stage, as well as on TV and in films. Sara Koviak, in addition to her many acting credits, was a classical dancer at The Metropolitan Opera. It is not surprising that she is a choreographer and dance educator.

Your Name Means Dream is the talented José Rivera's play. He received an Obie Award for Marisol and wrote the screenplay for the movie The Motorcycle Diaries, which was nominated for a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. He is now working on a remake of La Bamba, based upon Richie Valens's life. Rivera writes crackling, fast-paced dialogue for Your Name Means Dream. His catchy opening finds Aislin scornful of her new visitor, and the performance blasts off as she tells Stacy just how she feels about the newcomer.

In his "Playwright's Note," the playwright gives readers his detailed notions of the characters and more. Here's a recommendation for audience members to not read the notes before seeing the play.

Your Name Means Dream runs through July 6, 2025, at TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St., Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-527-7838 or visit twhartford.org.