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 meets Game Show, exploring humanness in the midst of the AI revolution. Developed in collaboration with local AI experts at Soulbotix, this new interactive tabletop theatre work blends cunning algorithms and virtual beings, to put its audience to the test.

In a world where robots are becoming more human and humans are becoming more robotic, what does it take to truly declare our own humanness - and will anyone believe you?

Counterpilot returns, blending technology, reactive sound design, and artificial intelligence to create a real life, real time theatrical Turing Test - in the form of a game show.

We’ve turned local actor Lucas Stibbard into an omni-present AI game show host, asking audiences to distinguish between themselves and the machines. Humans are challenged to work together in a game of creativity, introspection and connection that challenges their human perceptions, while the bots seek to pass undetected.

Can you trust that a stranger’s voice is actually their own?

Do you really know if a treasured memory is from your nearest and dearest, or your closest GPT friend?

What do we have left that can’t be simulated, recreated or taken away by the machines?

Pigeon Fool is a 30 minute interactive performance work suitable for ages 15+. Phone a friend, ask for a hint, do your best not to be eliminated while the AI inches ever closer to becoming one of us.

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, Experience Gold Coast, Metro Arts,
Brisbane Powerhouse, Creative Australia, Arts Queensland

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 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
Queensland Museum, World Science Festival Brisbane

All production photos by Kate O’Sullivan.

All photos taken by Jade Ellis during Development 3 in December, 2023.

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; Experience Gold Coast’s INCUBATE Residency Program; Metro Arts; and Brisbane Powerhouse.