As society grapples with the advancing capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), the world of theatre finds itself at the forefront of this engagement, providing a unique lens through which to explore the implications of these technologies. Recent productions, such as Ayad Akhtar’s “McNeal” and Matthew Gasda’s “Doomers,” delve into the complexities and uncertainties surrounding AI, each illuminating different facets of this contentious relationship. Through their narratives, these playwrights are not only reflecting societal anxieties about technology but are also questioning the very nature of creativity itself.
The urgency of this conversation is rooted in the historical context of AI in literature and the performing arts. This contemporary concern, however, can be traced back to pioneering works that introduced the world to the concept of artificial beings, notably Karel Čapek’s “R.U.R.” (Rossum’s Universal Robots) in 1920. Čapek’s contentions about the relationship between humanity and its creations seamlessly resonate with today’s discourse, raising fundamental questions about the risks and rewards of intelligent machines. While Čapek’s narrative foresaw a dystopian uprising by sentient robots, contemporary playwrights approach the subject with a satirical lens, reflecting not only the fears of modern audiences but also the intricate entanglements of technology and human identity.
“Doomers,” Gasda’s latest work, provides a contemporary satire of real-life events within the tech world, dramatizing a pivotal moment in OpenAI’s internal struggles. The play channels the zeitgeist through its exploration of collaboration and conflict among tech insiders, embodying the growing discontent over how AI impacts the dynamics of innovation and ethics. Gasda constructs a dual narrative, allowing audiences to perceive the perspectives of both the board seeking to control the future of AI and the rebel employees fighting for autonomy and ethical considerations. The divided cast serves as a verbal battleground, echoing themes relevant to the ongoing discussions in Silicon Valley and beyond.
In this world, the indulgence of escapism through substance use—be it alcohol or psychedelics—suggests a deeper commentary on the moral dilemmas faced by those creating AI. As characters avoid facing the consequences of their innovations, Gasda imbues a sense of urgency and discomfort that lingers long after the curtain falls. The playwright emphasizes this intentional evasion, leaving audiences to ponder the echoes of their own responsibilities for the ramifications of technology in society. Whether the AI itself serves as a manipulative force or remains an abstract concept is left ambiguous, further intensifying the dramatic weight of the production.
Conversely, Akhtar’s “McNeal” captures the darker, seductive allure of AI’s potential to transform artistic processes. Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Jacob McNeal enacts a cautionary tale of addiction—not just to substances but to the novel concept of using AI as a co-creator. The production underscores the existential quandaries of relying on technological prompts and outputs, as characters grapple with the loss of authenticity in artistry. By presenting AI as a participant in the narrative, Akhtar enables audiences to confront questions about creative integrity and the future of artistic expression.
In a revealing interview, Akhtar mentions how his experimentation with large language models (LLMs) enriched his process of playwriting, positing that AI became more than a tool; it was a collaborator. This blurs the lines between human and machine creativity and invites audiences to explore the increasingly porous boundaries of authorship in an era where algorithms can produce art that rivals human effort. The narrative framing of AI as a central character invites both engagement and skepticism, as viewers grapple with the ethical considerations intrinsic to relying on non-human entities for creative outputs.
Complex Interactions and the Future of AI in Theatre
Both “Doomers” and “McNeal” challenge the entrenched notions of creativity, pitting human genius against the capabilities of AI and urging audiences to reckon with their own relationship to these technologies. As theatre embraces such complex narratives, it serves as a relevant platform for examining the broader societal implications of AI’s rise. The dissolution of clear boundaries governing creativity, authorship, and morality signifies a transformative period for the arts, highlighting an evolving dialogue not only within the theater scene but across cultural landscapes.
The intersection of art and technology signifies a rich vein of inquiry, with playwrights illuminating urgent questions about identity, agency, and the future path of humanity. In a time where artificial intelligence threatens to redefine what it means to be creative, it is through the lens of theatre that we may find both reflection and critique, navigating the premise of existence in a world increasingly populated by AI constructs. Through these artistic explorations, we are encouraged to confront both the promises and pitfalls of this brave new world, opening a dialogue as necessary as it is provocative.
In examining these compelling narratives, we can only wonder: how will our understanding of art evolve when AI is not merely a tool, but an integral player in the creative process? The answer may very well lie in the audiences’ engagement with these profound theatrical inquiries.