Preview – Improbotics: AI Improv at Brighton Fringe
An interactive theatre show exploring artificial intelligence, reality TV and audience power comes to Komedia Brighton on Monday 25 May as part of Brighton Fringe. Artificial Reality, by Improbotics, is an improvised performance where the audience takes on the role of producers in a fictional reality show.
As the show unfolds, performers compete for audience approval — but with a twist. Contestants who are eliminated are replaced by AI-generated ‘celebrities’, created using image and video technology developed by the company. These digital characters are controlled live during the performance, blending human improvisation with machine-generated responses.
Framed as a satire of both reality television and the increasing (and controversial) role of AI in creative industries, the show explores questions around automation, authorship and the potential replacement of human performers. The result is a fast-moving mix of comedy, audience interaction and speculative technology. There will be audience participation whether you’re a robot or not!
Improbotics, formed in 2016, has built an international reputation for combining improvisation with artificial intelligence. The company’s work has been featured by outlets including the New York Times and BBC Click, and has received awards at fringe festivals in Paris and beyond.
The Improbotics collective includes researchers, comedians, performers and artists working across AI, theatre and digital media. Based in Belgium, Canada, Sweden and the UK, the theatre company
was co-created by renowned research scientists in AI and robotics Dr Piotr Mirowski and Dr Kory
Mathewson, Fulbright Fellow and lecturer in digital media design Dr Boyd Branch, and drama lecturer
Sarah Davies. This new production has been developed by a team including Alex Newson, Jillian Ellis, Kelsey Yuhara and Kimane Juneau.
Details
Artificial Reality, by Improbotics at Komedia, Brighton
Venue: Komedia Brighton, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton. BN1 1UN.
Tickets: Tickets are priced at £12, with £10 concessions and 2-for-1 offers available (when purchased through Brighton Fringe website). Tickets are available via Komedia and Brighton Fringe.
Dates: Performances take place on 25th May only, at 7.30pm. Running time is approximately 60 minutes.
Age suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
Babes in Arms policy: Under 2’s are allowed in for free on the lap of a guardian.
Accessibility: Assistance Dogs Welcome. Wheelchair Accessible. Accessible Toilet. Step-free Access.
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