BIOADAPTED is a theatre reenactment investigative documentary with actors portraying real people and scientists, paired with humorous and eerie fictional pieces about what our future might look like if the AI propagates in unethical ways that don't serve humankind.

Bioadapted employs texts about AI, some of which have been generated by GPT-3. An EEG headset will generate BCI (brain-computer-interface) instructions for the movement of an actor linked with a haptic vest and LED lights sewn into the costume. In the grand finale the audience will put GPT-4 on trial and interrogate it directly in real time. The show ran September 7-24th at Culture Lab LIC and was hailed by the New York Times as "maverick creativity" and "sleekly designed, thoughtfully assembled". Now it's making a comeback at APAP.

Our goal is to investigate, interrogate, and educate, all while delivering a unique, interactive, science-enhanced experience. Through our process of blending art and science, we make scientific, political, social and sustainability issues “digestible,” empowering audiences to become active decision makers and alert citizens protecting their own agency and human sovereignty.

Performances:

Tuesday, January 16th 2024

at 4pm

and

7.00pm

followed by a talkback with Heidi Boisvert (TED, MIT), Julie Scelfo (NYTimes and Get Media Savvy), Tjaša Ferme (creator and director, Transforma) moderated by Tess Howsam (Culture Lab LIC's art. dir)

TEAM:

Created and Directed by Tjaša Ferme

Written by Alexis Roblan, James Yu, Tjaša Ferme, including real transcripts and interviews

Starring: Arianne Banda, Juan Cardenas, Monica Hunken, Melody Munitz, Thammie Quach, and Nasay Ano

Assistant Director: Nasay Ano

Technology and Innovation Director: Heidi Boisvert

Technology and Innovation Assistant: Jingyao Shao

Set Design: Oliver Zeller and Emily Greco

Lighting Design: Nicole E. Lang

Sound Design: Liam Bellman-Sharpe

Costume Design: Alex C. Webster

3D Generalist: Lisa Marie Erickson

*Note: APAP participants can register on SWAPCARD and bring their badge to scan, no need to reserve a ticket through Eventbrite

Transforma Theatre was a part of the Culture Lab LIC Emergence Artist Residency program. A residency that offers space, time to realize performance based projects. This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.

Special THANKS to Graduate Center CUNY and Frank Hentschker for hosting this show at Elebash Recital Hall.