"Raw Thought" (previously entitled "Building A Real Boy") is a multimedia theatrical telling of the life, death, and work of computer activist Aaron Swartz who died tragically at the age of 26 while facing forty years in prison for downloading academic journals to share with the public. This show is devised from Aaron Swartz’s writing, blog and journal entries, interviews with colleagues and friends. Raw Thought has been created collaboratively by a team of performers, directors, writers, and designers.

"Raw Thought" is currently being produced as a residency in colleges and universities across the country. The purpose of these residencies is to share the work of Aaron Swartz, the issues he was passionate about and to engage students in discussions and actions around open access, internet security, and virtual activism. Docbloc's "Raw Thought" programming includes a curriculum and discussion questions around access to information,

2022: "Raw Thought" was presented by Pace University's "Theatre and Social Justice" students as a reading and discussion in the Pace University library.

2020: "Raw Thought" was being developed in residency with students at Hunter College in New York during the Spring 2020 semester and has been postponed due to the coronavirus. The video trailer below features cast members from that ensemble, Alex Aguirre, Carlos Garcia, Erin Jeffries, Cloyce Martin, Annabella Pritchard, Sophia Radix, Mayurakshi Sen and Jason Wang.

RAW THOUGHT 

Based on the writings of Aaron Swartz

Written by Tyrus Holden

Directed by Ash Marinaccio

Devised by Co-Op Theatre East ensemble members, Tyrus Holden, Ash Marinaccio, Robert A.K. Gonyo, and Michael Rehse

Dramaturgy, Transcription Assistance, and Additional Script Support Provided by Sophie Walker, Matthew Champagne, and Vinny Eden Ortega