Human vs. Transhuman
Human vs. Transhumanism is a multimedia performance that explores transhumanism's ethical and spiritual implications through live voice and bamboo flute improvisation. Through real-time audio and visual interactivity, this performance will blur the sound of live human voice and electronics as well as the image of the human vs. robot. The movement known as transhumanism, which aims to maximize human potential via developments in robotics, cybernetics, artificial intelligence, etc., is no longer just a theory or work of science fiction; rather, it is rapidly approaching actuality. With this rising movement, the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding transhumanism cannot be ignored. Critics point out that transhumanism can exacerbate the digital divide and increase the wealth gap between those who can and cannot afford technological advancements, which can lead to social and class inequality. Transhumanism is also puzzling from a spiritual and moral perspective because it distorts the meaning of what it is to be human; additionally, technological determinism might end up being the only solution to every problem in life. Against this backdrop, this multimedia performance reflects the conundrum of determining the boundaries of a transhumanistic experiment and how far is too far. This work consists of several acts; the first act investigates the process of humans being modified with nanochip technology. In doing so, live voice improvisation and speech are combined with live electronics to raise the ethical quandaries around this concept. The stem images within this work are further generated through live, real-time audio-visual interaction. In act two, the performance continues by critically examining the issues related to identity issues associated with AI and transhumans. As machines blur with humans, how does one grapple with one's identity? As the live human voice and bamboo flute blend in and interact with live electronics, it expresses the perplexity and confusion of a human doubting his or her human identity; in doing so, it explores the question of what it means to be human in the age of A.I. The images of humans and transhumans overlap throughout the performance and react to the live musical improvisation. The final Act 3 includes violin solo improvisation with live electronics; this act depicts the intimate conversation between humans and machines.
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Programming and Concept: Cecilia Suhr
Performer: Cecilia Suhr
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