A production by a local theater troupe looks to explore questions about science and technology while cutting to the core of what it means to be human.

Uncanny Valley, a presentation of Laramie-based Relative Theatrics, premiered Wednesday and continues with performances through Feb. 25, including today. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Gryphon Theatre, 710 Garfield St. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the show. Student and senior discounts are available for Thursdays show for $8. Tickets are available at http://www.gryphontheatre.org or at the Laramie Plains Civic Center offices from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Director James Hockenberry said the play is about the relationship between neuroscientist Claire, played by Alison Harkin, and the non-biological being Julian, played by Ryan Archibald. Though it covers the newsworthy topic of artificial intelligence, Hockenberry said the plays subject matter is more about the human experience.

The flashy bit is about artificial intelligence, but really its about how they relate to each other and how she teaches him what it means to be human, and the fact thats not all good stuff, he said. Theres quite a bit of negative in what it means to be human and go through life interacting with other people. She doesnt mean to reveal some of that to him, but he sort of picks up on it.

With an audience living in a world where artificial intelligence technology is a reality, Hockenberry said the plays final act begs the question of where humanity goes from here.

In a world where A.I. is possible or coming around the corner maybe even here whats the next step for humanity? he asked. If we havent figured out those issues of dealing with ourselves, are we really ready for the next step?

The mission statement for Relative Theatrics includes making sure performances are risky and relevant, Hockenberry said. With contemporarily relevant and controversial subject matter, he said Uncanny Valley was an obvious choice for the theater troupe.

This play is incredibly topical despite being set 40-some-odd-years in the future, Hockenberry said. It deals with income inequality, it deals with issues of power and honesty and basic human needs, the relationships between family members it even features a billionaire, which is a big topic in America right now.

Though hes a self-described science fiction fan, Hockenberry said he really appreciates the way Uncanny Valley explores profound questions that arent bound by the subject matter of the play.

I definitely got my fill of tech jargon, but at the same time, what really drew me to it are those human elements, which are timeless, he said.

One of the performances unique aspects is that the audience joins the actors on the stage. Tickets are limited to 50 per show to fit audience members on the same plane as the actors, which Hockenberry said allows for an experience unique to sitting in chairs off-stage.

Its a very intimate viewing experience, he said. We have so many people that hear that, and their just trained I sit in the audience and the stage happens somewhere else. With this, theyll be right up there in it. While were not interactive in the way a comedy show might, its impossible to not feel connected to the action when youre so close to it. When you can hear the intake of breath before a line, I think thats what Id say to someone whos never experience Relative Theatrics before, youve maybe never experienced anything like this.

Read the rest here:

'Uncanny Valley' explores human experience through artificial intelligence - Laramie Boomerang