What does it mean to be human
in the age of artificial intelligence?
The earliest known robot was a steam-powered pigeon, created in 400BC. It was said to have been successful because it fooled the birds to believe it was one of their own. Since the days of the steam-powered pigeon, our robots have become increasingly human. The birds were fooled – are we?
Pigeon Fool is a theatrical Turing Test to explore humanness in the midst of the AI revolution. From the artists behind Truthmachine, Counterpilot is developing a new interactive tabletop theatre work in collaboration with some cunning algorithms and virtual beings. Working with local AI experts at Soulbotix, we’re turning local actor Lucas Stibbard into an AI game show host.
Will you be able to tell the difference?
WORLD PREMIERE SEASON
20-24 Mar, 2024 // QLD Museum
World Science Festival Brisbane
Credits
Created by Counterpilot
Devised by
Nathan Sibthorpe, Christine Felmingham, Mike Willmett & Sarah Winter
Written & Directed by Nathan Sibthorpe
Technical Design by Christine Felmingham & John Felmingham
Sound Design & Original Score by Mike Willmett
Lighting Design by Christine Felmingham
Production & Costume Design by Chloe Greaves
AI & Virtual Being Design by Jari Kemppinen & Jayden Hardie, for Soulbotix
Console Design & Construction by John Felmingham
AV Programming by Jeremy Gordon
Additional Software Design by Sam Black
Dramaturgy by Sarah Winter
Production Intern Shaun Casey
Voice Performances by Lucas Stibbard
AI Performance lovingly based on Lucas Stibbard
Hero Photography by Kate O’Sullivan
Hero featuring Toby Martin
Creative Producer Elizabeth Hunt
Developed through Counterpilot’s Company Residency with
Metro Arts - with support from Jo Thomas, Danielle Carney, Genevieve Trace
Project Supported by
Soulbotix, World Science Festival Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Placemakers*, Metro Arts,
Brisbane Powerhouse, Creative Australia, Arts Queensland
Director Notes
Counterpilot is making a new work about AI, because of course we are! It's the thing we can't stop thinking about - the most significant cultural shift of our generation. The AI revolution is upon us, and we have some questions about how we're all going to fit...
“I am not a robot” - we all tick the box, but how can we prove it? In an age where robots are becoming more and more human, we're also concerned that humans are becoming more and more robotic. With automatic tools at our fingertips, we cut corners until we're smooth around the edges. While our tasks get easier, what is it we stand to lose?
For the past few years, we've been obsessively watching the rise of AI tech. As artists we're equal parts excited and discomforted. This project has been our outlet to exercise both feelings together.
Nathan Sibthorpe
Development History
Development 1
January 2022, staged under semi-lockdown conditions
supported by Brisbane Powerhouse
Development 2
June 2023, Incubate* Residency @ Broadbeach Cultural Centre
supported by Placemakers*
Pitch
August 2023 @ APAX, Cairns
Development 3
December 2023, Brisbane Powerhouse
supported by Creative Australia, Arts Queensland & Brisbane Powerhouse
Development 4
February 2024, Norman Park Substation
supported by Metro Arts, Creative Australia, Arts Queensland,
Queensland Museum & World Science Festival
World Premiere
20-24 March, 2024
World Science Festival Brisbane
Production Photos
All production photos by Kate O’Sullivan.
Photos from Creative Development
All photos taken by Jade Ellis during Development 3 in December, 2023.
Snapshot for Presenters
Counterpilot is seeking touring & presentation partners for this project from April 2024 onwards.
PIGEON FOOL is built to tour in a similar model to our previous work TRUTHMACHINE. Suitable for a variety of flat floor spaces.
Duration // 30min
Capacity // 16pax
For more info, contact Elizabeth Hunt.
Pigeon Fool is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body. Metro Arts and Pigeon Fool are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Pigeon Fool was proudly supported by Queensland Museum and World Science Festival Brisbane; Soulbotix; Placemakers* Gold Coast’s INCUBATE Residency Program; Metro Arts; and Brisbane Powerhouse.