The intersection of artificial intelligence and humanity is a complex and timely topic, with two recent theater productions in New York City shedding light on its implications.
In recent months, two theater productions have been making waves in New York City, tackling the complex and timely topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on humanity. These plays, Doomers and McNeal, offer a unique glimpse into the minds of playwrights grappling with the implications of AI on our creative process.
The Birth of AI Doomers
Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R.U.R.—Rossum’s Universal Robots is often credited as one of the first works to explore the concept of robots and artificial intelligence. However, Čapek may also be considered the first AI doomer, as his play dramatized an android uprising that slaughtered all of humanity, leaving only a single soul behind.
This theme has been revisited in modern times with productions like Doomers, written by Matthew Gasda. The play is loosely based on the OpenAI controversy surrounding Sam Altman‘s departure and subsequent return to the company. Gasda’s work features two separate casts, one depicting Altman’s team in exile and the other focused on the board, including a character seemingly inspired by AI theorist Eliezer Yudkowsky.
The Lure of Instant Virtuosity
Gasda’s play highlights the concerns of human writers regarding the potential for AI to steal their work. He speculates that writers might revert to traditional methods, such as writing on paper, to preserve the uniqueness of their words. This theme is echoed in Ayad Akhtar’s McNeal, a Broadway production starring Robert Downey Jr.
In an interview with The Atlantic, Akhtar revealed that he spent hours experimenting with large language models (LLMs) to write his play. He even gave ChatGPT the last word, stating, ‘It’s a play about AI… it stands to reason that I was able, over the course of many months, to finally get the AI to give me something that I could use in the play.‘
The Future of Theater
While some may worry that AI will replace human writers and artists, theater itself is likely to remain an art form least threatened by technological advancements. As Akhtar noted, ‘There is something irreducibly human about the theater… over time, it is going to continue to demonstrate its value in a world where virtuality is increasingly the norm.‘
The endings of both Doomers and McNeal are particularly thought-provoking, leaving audiences wondering how much of the work was generated by AI. The performances raise questions about the blurred line between human thought and algorithmic manipulation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making.
The field has its roots in the 1950s with the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence, where John McCarthy coined the term AI.
Since then, advancements in machine learning algorithms and data storage have led to significant improvements in AI capabilities.
Today, AI is applied in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Ultimately, these theater productions serve as a reminder that the impact of AI on humanity is a complex and multifaceted issue. As we continue to grapple with the implications of this technology, it’s essential to consider the creative process and how AI will shape our future.
- wired.com | Roll Over Shakespeare: ChatGPT Is Here
