(machine) learning to be

Data Fluencies collaboration

August 19 - August 25- 2024 | Bai | Brown University Providence

May 19 - may 25- 2025 | Progress lab | Vancouver - British columbia

Details

Blending theatrical conventions, choreographed movement, poetry, and artistic experiments with machine learning, (Machine) Learning to Be is a participatory, devised, hybrid multimedia performance experience that engages with Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems and their societal impacts. The performance features an interactive choreographic interface that aims to engage AI as embodiment technologies and human and AI characters that aim to convey the multifaceted nature of AI, its dangers and possibilities for our communities. Rooted in visions of decolonial AI, (Machine) Learning to Be seeks to challenge established systems of control and envision more equitable futures alongside AI technology.

Both online and in-person, (Machine) Learning to Be directly engages participants in the process of world-making. This work aims to spark a conversation around the possibilities and impacts of AI on the human body and society, using the hybrid performance model to expand access to the conversation for all who wish to engage.

Created in partnership with the Data Fluencies Theatre Project the performance had a developmental workshop with public sharing at Brown University in August 2024, produced in collaboration with Brown Arts Institute as part of the inaugural Brown Arts IGNITE Series, and will be presented at Progress Lab 1422 in Vancouver in May 2025 in partnership Aspects of the performance and creation process will be presented in the Huret & Spector Gallery at Emerson College (Boston) in March 2025.

Performance Credits:

Co-created by: Ioana B. Jucan, Jae Neal, Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo, Tushar Mathew, David Mesiha, Aidan Nelson & Gavan Cheema

Artistic director: Ioana B. Jucan

Spacial, visual, and set designer and technical director: David Mesiha

Choreographer: Jae Neal

Performers: Jae Neal, Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo, Tushar Mathew

Computational artists: Aidan Nelson

Online venue developer and designer: Aidan Nelson

Dramaturg: Gavan Cheema

Composer: Kite

Assistant composer: Oga Li

Special thanks to Katherine Helen Fisher and Sahar Sajadieh for early development of the piece