SPARC Theater, the Tri-Valley’s resident Shakespeare company, announced its 5th Annual Science@Play series, featuring a play written by artificial intelligence. This two-weekend program explores the connection between science and the human experience from the weekend of March 13th to the weekend of March 29th. These shows will feature post-show discussions about the complex themes studied in the plays. SPARC Theater’s attempt to push boundaries between technology and the human experience will offer an exciting glimpse into what the future of Artificial Intelligence has to offer in the world of theater.
Michael Rice, one of the coordinators for SPARC Theater’s Science@Play program, explained that the main goal of this program is to bring together a community of scientists.
“SPARC was an initiative started by the artistic director who wanted to bring the community of scientists together with plays. So she started Science@Play as a way to bring real-life scientists with real-life scientific information into the entertainment field,” Rice said.
Science has always been embedded in Livermore’s culture as a result of the two national labs. Rice explained that theater is typically catered toward a specific audience, and so it made sense to write plays that involved science.
One of the most significant technological developments in recent years is the use of Artificial Intelligence. AI has many applications, some of which spark controversy. AI being used in the art industry has been a massive topic of discussion between scientists and artists. SPARC Theater is attempting to explore this boundary.
“There is a dilemma that we face in which humans in general have almost never moved backwards in terms of the use of technology,” Rice said.
Technology has always had a place in theater, whether that be through writing, prop making, or music. Could AI just be another step in this process?
“Ultimately, the goal of this project is for people to come together and voice their concerns about AI. Really, the only way to move forward is to have loud enough voices from communities everywhere, about the potentially harmful effects of AI,” Rice said.
Artificial intelligence has been the cause of division in many facets of society recently. Whether individuals stand up for or against it, Rice explained that he believes communities need to come together one way or another.
“There is another faction of people who believe AI is not going to take over, but rather be a co-conspirator in the creation process,” Rice explained.
Theater has a rich history of catering to the human experience. Rice explained his thoughts on AI’s ability to become a part of the creative process as limited. In short, he said that AI is not, in fact, intelligent.
“It’s not false that AI is getting in the lane of the artist,” Rice said.
Rice described that AI does not have the capacity to create new ideas, but rather just regurgitates other ideas pieced together.
Whether it be writing plays, coding, assisting humans with daily life, or simply filtering content on social media, AI has a long list of uses. SPARC Theater’s decision to produce a play written by AI is a bold and explorative choice.
