Deep Fake: Is this the future of live entertainment?

‘Deep Fake’ starts by asking the age-old question – if you could invite anybody to your fantasy dinner party – living or dead – who would choose, and would sparks fly? Created by playwright and technologist Niall Austin, it then features virtual reincarnations of superstars from Elvis Presley to Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe to Muhammad Ali, in turn providing a canvas within which the theme of ‘authenticity’ can be explored.

But the truly astonishing thing about ‘Deep Fake’ is how emerging technologies now have the potential to fundamentally transform live entertainment. This play takes story-telling and interactive live entertainment to a new dimension, as technology recreates not just the visual presence of your favourite icons, but also employs generative Artificial Intelligence to manifest their personalities, language and values in a script that is instantly generated in response to audience instructions.

The script will then be performed by talented, seasoned ‘impromptu’ actors, prepared to portray the chosen celebrities and their notable characteristics.

The biometric facial technology, created by Tokyo-based Irish artist Jason ‘Jab’ Brennan, uses body measures, such as the face and head, and collects a set of data which can then be instantly used to digitally imitate the person – in this case, the faces of chosen celebrities, which will be analysed and synthesized with the actors, before being projects onto the giant backdrop screen. The show in turn can create a unique immersive experience in which the audience can watch their favourite stars in a scenario of their own creation!

Deep Fake is the second AI-generated play created by Austin following the critical success of his sold-out show ‘PL-AI’, which took to the stage at the Civic Theatre in March. His productions enable theatre lovers to control the development of their own play, in turn also giving the audience an insight into the process of playwriting and the future of artificial intelligence in the theatre world.

Artificial intelligence can create original and compelling plays that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling while presenting the question of whether we humans can overcome our fear of suspicion of AI and create art together.

Niall Austin, the show’s creator, says: “Deep Fake a fully interactive, audience-led show. Within the confines of a basic structure, audience members are invited to suggest how they’d like the evening’s story to unfold. But it also provides a canvas to further delve into more traditional theatre themes, such as how a person’s public persona is often in conflict with their inner ‘true self’.”

Donal Shiels, Artistic Director at the Civic, says: “This show reflects the Civic’s deep commitment to evolve within the changing technical landscape. Following the success of PL-AI in March, we’re delighted to again be collaborating with Niall to push the boundaries of theatre.”

Deep Fake takes place in The Civic Theatre Tallaght on Wednesday, 23rd August.

Tickets are available for €10 here: https://www.civictheatre.ie/whats-on/a-unique-interactive-theatre-experience/