4:23 am - February 12, 2025
The Role of Theater in Addressing Modern Challenges
Theater has long been a mirror to society, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of the human experience. However, it is often criticized for its slow response to contemporary issues, particularly when compared to the rapid pace of technological advancements and cultural shifts. Playwrights like Ayad Akhtar, known for works such as McNeal, have been at the forefront of addressing cutting-edge topics, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Their efforts to weave AI into the fabric of storytelling not only highlight the potential of this technology but also underscore the ethical and social implications it carries. Matthew Gasda’s new play, Doomers, is a notable addition to this growing body of work, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology and humanity.
The Concept and Creation of Doomers
Inspired by the high-profile ousting of Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, Doomers delves into the treacherous waters of corporate power struggles and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI. Gasda’s play is particularly unique in that it acknowledges the assistance of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, which are credited as dramaturgs in the program. This collaboration between human and machine raises intriguing questions about the role of AI in creative processes. While the use of AI in writing may seem like a gimmick, it serves as a testament to the evolving nature of storytelling and the ways in which technology can influence artistic expression. The play’s narrative is set on a single night in San Francisco, following the dismissal of Seth, a ruthless tech mogul, as he plots his revenge and the company’s board scrambles to navigate the fallout.
A Tale of Power and ethics
At its core, Doomers is a story about ambition, greed, and the consequences of unchecked power. Seth, the play’s protagonist, is a complex and morally ambiguous character who embodies the cutthroat world of tech entrepreneurship. His refusal to compromise or admit fault, coupled with his conviction that he was fired for “creating miracles,” paints a picture of a man driven by both genius and hubris. The first act of the play focuses on Seth’s predicament, offering a compelling exploration of his mindset and the motivations behind his actions. The cast, which includes 10 actors, delivers polished performances, bringing depth and nuance to the characters.
However, the play’s second act, which shifts focus to the company’s board, struggles to maintain the same level of tension and engagement. The dialogue often feels forced, with characters engaging in overly theatrical monologues that detract from the narrative’s believability. For instance, Alina, the company’s chief safety officer, recounts a series of disturbing and sexually explicit recurring dreams, a moment that feels more like a dramatic flourish than a natural progression of the story. These flourishes, while intended to heighten the emotional stakes, often come across as unnecessary and self-indulgent, undermining the play’s overall impact.
The Challenges of Addressing AI on Stage
One of the most significant challenges Doomers faces is its inability to present a fresh perspective on the ethical debates surrounding AI. While the play touches on themes such as the potential dangers of AI and the responsibility of its creators, these ideas are not explored in a particularly novel or insightful way. For audiences familiar with the ongoing conversations about AI, the play’s arguments may feel rehashed and lacking in depth. This sense of déjà vu is compounded by the play’s attempts to mirror and ingratiate itself with tech culture, which often come across as superficial. The inclusion of references to Elon Musk, for example, feels more like a nod to current events than a meaningful contribution to the dialogue.
Moreover, the play’s reliance on corporate jargon and boardroom strategizing, reminiscent of the HBO drama Succession, does little to enhance the narrative. Lines like “We’re here to oversee and reduce risk and potential malfeasance” are delivered without the necessary context or character development to make them compelling. As a result, the play’s second act feels tedious, lacking the tension and urgency that defined the first half. This disconnect between the play’s ambitious themes and its execution highlights the difficulties of translating complex, real-world issues into a cohesive and engaging theatrical experience.
The Impact of Technology on Creativity
The use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude in the creation of Doomers raises important questions about the role of technology in the creative process. While these tools can provide valuable insights and assist in research, they are not a substitute for human intuition and creativity. Gasda’s decision to involve AI in the writing process was, according to the play’s publicist, largely experimental and舌-in-cheek, intended to help the playwright better understand the technology he was writing about. However, the final product suggests that the integration of AI was not as seamless as hoped, and the narrative suffers as a result.
This is not to say that the use of AI in theater is without potential. On the contrary, it opens up new possibilities for storytelling and collaboration. However, as Doomers demonstrates, the successful incorporation of AI requires a delicate balance between technology and human creativity. When this balance is not achieved, the result can feel disjointed and lacking in emotional resonance, underscoring the importance of maintaining a human touch in the creative process.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In the end, Doomers feels like a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of AI and its impact on society. While it shows promise in its portrayal of the tech industry’s cutthroat culture and the moral dilemmas faced by its leaders, the play is ultimately hindered by its self-indulgent tendencies and lack of narrative cohesion. The reliance on overly dramatic monologues and rehashed arguments about AI detracts from the story’s potential, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment rather than enlightenment.
Despite these shortcomings, Doomers is a timely and ambitious work that highlights the challenges of addressing contemporary issues in theater. Its willingness to experiment with new technologies and push the boundaries of storytelling is commendable, even if the execution falls short of its vision. As the tech industry continues to evolve and shape our world, plays like Doomers remind us of the importance of critically examining its impact and ensuring that humanity remains at the heart of the conversation.
Running Time: 2 hours
Through April 19 at the Brooklyn Center for Theater Research, Brooklyn, and artXnyc, Manhattan; doomers.fyi.