Autoplay

Autoplay is "an experiential convergence of dance theatre, live art, and polyrhythmic opera" by Darkroom Contemporary.

Original text

"The performance is a surreal encounter between human and machine. The immersive AI Opera explores traditional notions of identity and autonomy in an era where lives have become intricately woven into the fabric of a digital landscape. This hybrid performance is a convergence of dance theatre, live art, generative soundscapes, opera, polyrhythms and Artificial Intelligence; and an exploration of the intersection between humanity and technology. Through its interaction with Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, this charged game of musical chairs confronts questions of agency, autonomy, influence and the blurred boundaries between free will and manipulation in a digital age. The performance uses absurdity and satire to challenge the acceptance of our dystopian present. By blending traditional and contemporary symbols of learning, autoplay imagines us learning to navigate a brave new world."

Performance history in South Africa

2024: The production premiered in September 2024 at a uniquely transformed site in Cape Town.

2025: Presented at the Baxter Theatre Flipside by Darkroom Contemporary, directed by choreographer director Louise Coetzer. With live, original music by Brydon Bolton, Inge Beckmann and Njabulo Phungula. Performed by Louisa Talbot, Darion Adams, Lwazi Mzimase, and Tamsyn Pretorius. Production made possible thanks to a grant from the National Lotteries Commission, the National Arts Council, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, and the The Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport, in partnership with Dance For All SA.