ROBOTS VS ART
The Swedish sci-fi drama Real Humans presented a parallel world where androids carry out dangerous and monotonous jobs for humans whilst developing individualist behaviour.
Robots vs Art takes a comedic look at a not-so-distant future when robots can think for themselves. Unfortunately, they’ve decreed the planet as better off without humans and after executing most of humanity, have enslaved the survivors in underground mines.
“I was inspired by the idea of a Japanese robotic theatre company performing a play,” says Robots vs Art writer and director Travis Cotton.
“Robots would be able to perfect practical elements of art production like learning lines but what does mastering the science of art mean if you can’t emotionally connect to it and feel it?”
When Executive Bot writes a play, he brings a human director, Giles, up from the mines to help with it. Since Executive Bot can’t enjoy art he makes a deal with Giles: if Giles can put on a play that makes the robots feel he’ll get to live; if he fails he will be executed in front of the play’s cast. (CN)
Jun 18-Jul 7, Bondi Pavillion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, $21-35, 1300 241 167, rocksurfers.org
