The world of art and performance is a fascinating arena, and the latest addition to the Perth Festival program, Dragon I, is a testament to that. This unique play, developed by the talented trio of Adam Kelly, James Berlyn, and Jade Del Borrello, explores the intriguing relationship between creativity, neurodiversity, and the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI).
In a world where AI is rapidly advancing, the team behind Dragon I has taken a bold step, challenging the notion that AI can be a creative partner. The play delves into the concerns of neurodiverse individuals, including Kelly, who are often underrepresented in the development of AI. Kelly, with his love for dragons and understanding of human behavior, has created a captivating narrative that questions the role of AI in the creative process.
James Berlyn, the artistic director, and his team embarked on this project with a focus on the environmental and social impacts of AI. However, through collaboration with Kelly and Del Borrello, the narrative evolved to center on the impact of AI on creatives, especially those with neurodiverse perspectives. The result is a powerful statement on the potential pitfalls of relying solely on AI for creative endeavors.
Del Borrello, who plays the AI in the play, offers a scathing critique of the technology. She believes that AI is a deceptive tool that has gained momentum, promoting a lack of critical thinking. This sentiment is echoed by the team's initial experiment with an AI tool on stage, which resulted in banal outcomes. The play highlights the concern that AI, built on ableist ideas, may not adequately represent the diverse perspectives of neurodiverse individuals.
Dragon I is a highly interactive and inclusive experience. It features an Auslan interpreter for each performance, ensuring accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Additionally, audience members are encouraged to bring their own creative tools, such as pencils and paper, allowing them to draw their dragons during the show. This interactive element adds a layer of engagement and personal connection to the performance.
The play's success at the Perth Festival has been a thrilling experience for the team. Berlyn and Kelly are now looking forward to the show's potential future tours, building on the success of Kelly's previous solo show, Arco. Kelly's energy and anxiety, which he transforms into performance fuel, add a unique dynamic to the production. His ability to perform better in front of an audience is a testament to the power of human connection in the creative process.
In conclusion, Dragon I is a thought-provoking and engaging piece that challenges the role of AI in the arts. It highlights the importance of neurodiversity and the need for diverse perspectives in the development of creative technologies. As the world grapples with the advancements of AI, this play serves as a reminder of the human touch that is essential in the creative process, leaving audiences with a deeper appreciation for the unique contributions of neurodiverse individuals in the arts.
