Lauren Gunderson Unveils Surprising Story of Lord Byron’s Daughter

by Lauren Jiang

Light bulbs drop from the ceiling. The stage is scattered with old Apple computers and cables, bringing modern innovation to a historic setting. Could this perhaps be something like The Big Bang Theory?

Far from that. “Ada & the Engine” captures the hidden story of Ada Byron Lovelace, who continued her father Lord Byron’s poetic legacy. Ada, an original spirit, brought romantic inspiration and dynamism to early modern science.

As the title character, Angel Lin’s bright and sunny voice sparkles with innocent energy. Ada, a passionate, spritely young woman, loves “maths.” She is fascinated by the eccentric and intelligent Charles Babbage (David Boyll), an older man who is developing a revolutionary mathematical machine. In his portrayal of Charles, Boyll balances loyalty and wit.

Charles is developing the early form of a modern-day calculator. He finds an enthusiastic supporter in Ada, who contributes her unique insights. Their odd couple friendship highlights their personalities, sparking Gunderson’s play.

Ada’s nature goes against the traditional, sexist British views, which limit women to roles of mother and wife. Her interest in marriage pales beside her passion for the new machine. It’s a struggle women confront today, especially in STEM, as they face outdated ideas of gender roles. U.S. culture often pressures women to conform to male ideals, making it even more revolutionary to stick to their true passions.

More following Ada’s building the mathematical machine, the play designs a new future, exalting original idea about progress. Ada represents the freedom to experiment with newfound knowledge.

Ada pushes through life with inspiration, against all odds and judgments. Playwright Gunderson explores technology as a tool for creativity and expression, offering hope for change to come.

“Ada” reminds us that innovators have faced resistance from power-hungry officials since practically the beginning of time.

When Charles angrily rants about the crooked, self-interested British government that is defunding his engine, we can easily see the parallels to our current government’s defunding everything from scientific research to food aid to the arts.  Looking beyond the charming Romantic costumes and British speech, Gunderson’s play hits home with us today.

As Ada’s mother, Lady Anabella Byron, Maya Capur presents a forceful, confident presence. Capu’s beautiful, resonant voice and manners transport us to England in 1800, the Romantic Era, in elegant period costume. Capur is headstrong and captivating in her command of the stage.

As Mary Summerville, Babbage’s trusted sidekick, Olga Molina plays Ada’s part-time babysitter and Charles’ confidante.

Lord Lovelace (Joshua Bao) woos brilliant Ada and marries her. Bao brings reassurance as Ada’s steadfast companion. He firmly expresses his initial concerns about Charles, but inevitably trusts Ada’s judgment.

In a heavenly fantasy, Ada meets her long-dead father, Lord Byron. Doy Charnsuphardinr captures Byron’s witty warmth in an emotional and surreal encounter.

This play combines classic British period drama with philosophical musing on technology. Familiar characters like the misunderstood scientist, the outcast teenager, and the protective mother ring true.

In Mountain View, we easily see the resonance with Silicon Valley innovation. The show hits home for women in tech and innovators everywhere,

“Ada & the Engine” by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Miller Liberatore, scenic design by Louis Stone-Collonge, hair & makeup by Melissa Mei Jones, at The Pear Theatre, Mountain View, California.

Info: thepear.org – to December 7, 2025.

Cast: Angel Lin, David Boyll, Maya Capur, Joshua Bao, Olga Molina, and Doy Charnsuphardinr.