AI, alchemy and new plays
A peek into this new full-length play, as promised! :)
Last week, I mentioned that I'm spinning a new full-length play out of a philosophy discussion concerning AI's parallels with medieval alchemy.
I don't usually share work this early in the process.
But I'm excited about this one.
Mostly because I have tons of questions.
So, TLDR on the video (which I highly recommend watching when you have a chance)
The big sweeping AI prophecies bear a remarkable resemblance to medieval alchemists' claims about the power of alchemy.
While alchemy failed to perfect humanity, cure all diseases, or create something more perfect than a human, it did lay groundwork for other scientific disciplines we still use today.
I found this video and Brandon Sanderson's talk on AI art within days of each other.
So they've collided in my brain with the question, "How can I explore this as a queer fantasy playwright?"
Because fantasy is a fantastic place to explore nuanced and controversial themes outside their charged real-world context.
I draw a lot of inspiration from party-based fantasy stories (Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons).
A party of adventurers gives me a diverse set of perspectives that I can pit against each other onstage.
Perfect for diving into nuanced conversations like our current discourse around AI.
I don't aim to solve the problem or make any definitive answers.
In writing any play, I aim to start discussions.
Because in actively engaging with art, we all grow.
I have no title for this play yet, but a couple points have already crystallized in the outline:
Party gets hired by a pair of alchemists. One is more of a prophetic type, the other is concerned with infrastructure (watch the medieval video for where I got that inspiration)
The alchemists are creating an artifact that will supposedly perfect the universe.
One member of the party is entranced by the artifact's generative power.
Another is concerned about the resource drain it creates
And they pick up a stranger along the way who further complicates matters...
I can't wait to see where this story goes.
Watch this play as it develops in RGS!
I'm working towards hosting PlayTest live streams for RGS subscribers: readings of a play I'm working on, with time after for you to give feedback and shape the story.
When you're ready to join our story:
Remember, you're loved. You're not alone. Welcome to the RGS story.
Sending hugs,
Beks (they/he)
