This performance aims to challenge perceptions and ignite the imagination, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the nature of our existence in the age of AI.
movement, music, visuals, and textual elements
INTRODUCING THE IDEA FOR THE NEW CONCEPT:
The story we will tell and the scenes we will show refer to archetypes that are developed into specific characters and, in their interaction, aim at a collective versus individual understanding of humanity. We will break physical and emotional boundaries between performers and audience, which is a common tool of Existence Theatre. Connection, separation, isolation, envy and love, progress and repetition of human mistakes, struggle for meaning and feeling overwhelmed by the choices available; everything will be told through multi-layered images, with the performers attempting to convey the theme through their emotional interpretation in words and movement/dance.
With ‘HUMAN ERROR’ we examine our way of being and the way we connect with others in a transcultural society that increasingly demands discussion of shared identity under the influence of AI. We question the impact that AI has on individuals, how it affects the human psyche, the development of self-identity and our human functioning in this world. While one can imagine the surrender of humanity as we know it, this new performance of Existence Theatre will demonstrate the collaborative strength that lies in the human survival instinct, our strongest motivation. The work is philosophical, it does not send the audience home with a solution or a complete story, but rather initiates a discussion about self-empowerment within society.
THE STORY:
“And so, I immerse myself in embracing the uncertainties and contradictions, and finding solace in the journey itself. I catch a glimpse of the elusive truths that lie at the core of this existence, transcending the boundaries of time and space, and touching the very essence of what it means to be human.” (The Butterfly Catcher in HUMAN ERROR)
He aims to understand human error. The Butterfly Catcher (who can be interpreted as a metaphorical personification of AI) attempts to capture how relating and connecting to ‘others’ happens through movement and physical proximity. The more time he spends among the crowd, the more he catches glimpses of the human soul, which, although intangible, touches him emotionally. He starts to feel irritable, something he can’t name. Feeling it is beyond his scope and so he keeps catching glimpses of what he is trying to control, classify and label.
ARTIST STATEMENT (Bello Benischauer, artistic director, Existence Theatre, 2024):
Whether we call it a theatrical performance or a dance piece driven by dramatic elements and music composition, by utilising a Modular Synth, the collaborative performers for this piece will be asked to push boundaries and challenge themselves to explore new creative possibilities. The Modular Synth imitates a random occurrence that never replicates itself, yet always manages to find balance within this constant and unstoppable existence. The incorporation of diverse elements, such as sound design loops and unconventional rhythms, adds a unique and innovative dimension to the project. This will not only captivate the audience but will also urge performers and dancers to push themselves to their limits, resulting in a performance that I envision to get both exhilarating and physically challenging.
From automated machinery on factory floors to AI-powered robots in healthcare settings, artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and interact with technology. Tasks that were once manual or required human intervention are now being handled with greater efficiency and precision by AI systems. And of course, this leads to increased productivity and streamlined operations, but it also raises questions about the role of humans in a world increasingly dominated by automation. As AI continues to advance, I believe it important for us to consider the implications of these technologies on our daily lives on a deeper level and how we can harness their potential while also ensuring that they benefit society. It is crucial to balance our pursuit of excellence with compassion, empathy, and understanding towards ourselves and others. Ultimately, being human entails embracing our flaws, vulnerabilities, and imperfections while also celebrating our unique qualities and potential for growth. All this will be expressed through archetypal characters inside a set of scenes in ‘HUMAN ERROR’.
We want the performance to demonstrate how humans can still use their imagination to feel a sense of wonder and curiosity about the nature of our existence, and that AI is fuelled by the human mind, rather than the other way around.
THE ARCHETYPAL CHARACTERS:
The Butterfly Catcher
dramatic expression and dance using an oversized net or other fishing gear similar to a butterfly net
A.Iva
character designed to be a combination of artificial intelligence and human being, bringing an interesting dynamic to the scenes
Poly
Poly-intelligence, suggests that a single AI may not capture or replicate all aspects of human intelligence
Anxilia
physically challenging, highly anxious woman who constantly conceals herself, is apprehensive of AI, and has had extremely negative experiences with systems
Eva
the person with the bed, drama focused performance role
Be One
ance and dramatic expression, physically challenging
Be Two
dance and dramatic expression, physically challenging
SPACE/LOCATION: using audience proximity as part of the performance, choreography/visual projection/sound elements of the performance react to space
AUDIENCE ACCESSIBILITY: intensity of visual effects and sound may trigger sensory overload; the work requires a space that audience can comfortably enter and leave without disturbing the performance.
A boundary of rationality is dismantled by the EXISTENCE THEATER, inducing trance-like states that may ultimately culminate in exhaustion.
The 170-minute performance of HUMAN ERROR is fueled by modular synthesis and features an extraordinary collection of over 24 hours of meticulously crafted tracks. With more than a thousand possible combinations, along with varying playback and wait times, this remarkable soundscape reflects the chaotic universe we often struggle to comprehend, as well as the complexities of human existence. Yet, amidst this chaos, it somehow manages to find harmony. This captivating experience has been brought to life through a custom-built program developed by Lürgid.