The intersection of artificial intelligence and the creative arts has arrived on stage, with AI-driven narratives reshaping theater as we know it.
Theater Meets Artificial Intelligence
At Lincoln Center, the much-anticipated play McNeal takes audiences on a journey into the evolving role of AI in the creative process. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar and starring Hollywood icon Robert Downey Jr., the play integrates ChatGPT into its storytelling, demonstrating how AI can act as a collaborator rather than merely a tool.
This is not the first time AI has been the subject of theatrical exploration. Over a century ago, Karel Čapek’s R.U.R.—Rossum’s Universal Robots introduced the world to the term “robot” and speculated on AI’s potential to outmaneuver humanity. Today, plays like McNeal and Doomers push the conversation forward, reflecting society’s growing concerns about AI’s influence.
The AI-Driven Drama of Doomers
Doomers, a provocative black-box production by Matthew Gasda, dramatizes a pivotal moment in the AI industry—the internal battle at OpenAI that resulted in Sam Altman’s temporary ousting. The play captures the intrigue and power dynamics of AI governance, featuring characters that mirror real-life figures such as AI theorist Eliezer Yudkowsky.
Gasda ensures that AI plays not just a thematic role but an active one. The script acknowledges large language models like ChatGPT and Claude, even crediting them as “dramaturgs” in the playbill. However, he also raises a crucial question: Are we handing over too much of the creative process to AI?
AI as an Artistic Tool or a Creative Threat?
Theater may be one of the last strongholds of purely human creativity, given its reliance on live performances and real-time audience engagement. However, as Akhtar admits, AI-enhanced tools played a significant role in refining McNeal, even contributing actual lines to the script.
This raises ethical and philosophical questions about AI’s place in artistic expression. If machine-generated content becomes indistinguishable from human creativity, how will future playwrights, novelists, and screenwriters maintain their originality? Will AI eventually dictate the artistic landscape, or will human creativity always preserve its irreplaceable essence?
The Growing Debate Over AI’s Role
These productions highlight a broader discussion on the governance and oversight of AI. As AI systems continue to advance and integrate into creative fields, concerns surrounding regulation, ethical use, and potential risks mount. Key risk factors such as AI governance and its implications for society are becoming increasingly urgent topics in both the tech industry and the arts.
Ultimately, these plays serve as both entertainment and cautionary tales, urging audiences to reflect on the growing symbiosis between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Whether AI becomes a co-writer, a collaborator, or a competitor in artistic endeavors remains an unfolding story—one that is being written in real time.
