The intersection of technology and art has always been fraught with tension. As I sit in Lincoln Center, ostensibly preparing to experience Ayad Akhtar’s latest theatrical endeavor, McNeal, an intriguing dialogue emerges—not just between characters and audiences, but between creators and the digital intelligence that increasingly surrounds us. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and featuring a cameo by AI, this production epitomizes a pivotal moment in theater, where the implications of artificial intelligence are not just thematic but also participatory.
Reflecting on the history of AI narratives in theater leads us back to 1920, where Karel Čapek’s groundbreaking play R.U.R. introduced audiences to the term “robot.” In a world dramatically shaken by the prospect of machines gaining autonomy, Čapek’s work laid the groundwork for an existential crisis that resonates today. The playwright, arguably an early alarmist regarding AI, illustrated a dystopian future where human-like creations turned against their makers, a theme that continues to echo in contemporary discourse surrounding AI ethics.
Fast-forward over a century, and we find ourselves in a world where artists are grappling with similar dilemmas. From the technically ambitious Broadway spectacle of McNeal to the grassroots, edgy production of Doomers, which reflects on the tumultuous ousting of Sam Altman from OpenAI, the theater is becoming a fertile ground for conversations about technology’s trajectory and its ramifications for humanity.
Matthew Gasda’s Doomers emerges as a finely tuned commentary on contemporary anxieties regarding AI governance and its implications for human creativity. Gasda, known for capturing the essence of modern life in his previous works focusing on Millennials and Gen Z, takes a daring leap into deeper waters, drawing parallels to Shakespearean themes of betrayal and power. The two-act play showcases characters caught in the throes of both ambition and rebellion, illustrating a reluctant acceptance of the moral ambiguities of AI development.
What is particularly striking is Gasda’s decision to have his characters engage in escapist behaviors—taking shots and ingesting hallucinogens—as if to evade the crushing weight of responsibility. This intentional design highlights a cultural tendency to sidestep confronting uncomfortable truths about technological advancements. The audience is invited to ponder if this avoidance echoes reality, forcing us to question whether we, too, are subservient to our creations.
While Doomers presents a critical lens on the implications of AI, Akhtar’s McNeal takes a more introspective approach, encapsulating the seductive allure of technology. The play’s protagonist, Jacob McNeal, is a complex figure who embodies both genius and downfall, reflecting a modern archetype of the tortured artist lured into dependency on an AI-driven enhancement of creativity. Through flashing screens that project interactions with a large language model, the play creates an immersive experience, suggesting that AI not only influences the content of artistic expression but the essence of the artist’s identity itself.
In an interview, Akhtar articulates a revolutionary notion that his engagement with AI significantly improved his creative process. Interestingly, this poses a fundamental question for the future of art: Can AI serve as a tool for genuine creativity, or does it merely manipulate existing narratives? The dichotomy that arises from this exploration serves as a captivating focal point, representing an ongoing conversation about authorship, originality, and the very nature of creativity.
The thematic depth presented in both McNeal and Doomers foreshadows a future where technology is not only a backdrop but a pivotal character that shapes narratives. As these productions continue to develop, they provoke vital discussions about ethics, control, and the implications of technologies that seem to outpace our understanding.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the theater reflects broader societal conflicts. It raises essential questions: What happens when our creations begin to mimic or even surpass us? How does the entanglement of AI and human creativity redefine our understanding of artistic expression?
These are not merely the musings of playwrights on a New York stage; rather, they are a clarion call for audiences and creators alike to confront and engage with the complex realities of an AI-imbued future. As theater continues to evolve as a medium, it will serve as a crucial venue for exploring the implications of our digital age, inviting both reflection and critical dialogue about the synthesis of humanity with technological advancement. Through such dialogues, perhaps we will glean insight into our relationship with our own creations, ensuring that we remain the authors of our narrative rather than passive participants in a story of our own design.