Robotics, 3D computer animation and human look alikes… topics of the discussion in ‘Uncanny Valley’.
Article by Alejandra Enciso Guzmán
Simultaneously developing on the stage by Philadelphia based playwright Thomas Gibbons two actors tell the same story of Uncanny Valley at the Lyceum Space. Claire (Rosina Reynolds) a neuroscientist about to retire, has focused her work on android type beings. Reaching greater ‘fidelity’ each time. Her recent more perfect creation is Julian (Nick Cagle). Julian was methodically made. First his head and expressions, his smile, his blink and ability to turn right and left; each day, Claire softens Julian’s movements in order to make him more ‘real’. As the play goes, Julian is being revealed slowly. First an arm, then the other and finally the legs and the instruction to walk. As we see him ‘grow’ he starts to develop deeper questions like physical labor versus intellectual labor, basing his observations on the cleaning staff at the lab. He also points out that they have an ‘accent’ and do not seem comfortable around him.
San Diego Rep’s Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse pointed out in an interview that ‘Uncanny Valley’ will give audience ‘food for thought’. Well indeed, as well as historical passages/references mostly from movies or TV, plots that present a ‘perfect’ being, created to survive several of mankind’s fears like aging, the loss of movement, gaining wrinkles and eventually dying… iRobot, Her, the beloved Data from StarTrek and the latest Hugh Jackman movie, Chappie. Although the plots are different, there is a common denominator: humans are scared or do not feel the ‘beings’ are trustworthy, the creativity goes south and the un-human creatures start killing everybody, exsposing their ‘bad side’.
Playing until May 10th the San Diego piece follows towards the same path. A testament to how great and powerful the human mind is while reminding us that no matter how much we grow in this field, there will always be uncertainty and fear about the reach their power can have. Julian was created as a younger version of his dying millionaire (human) counterpart. Taking over the family business and being sued by his own son over the whole –not biological being- thing. Claire, concerned about the events and overwhelmed by her retirement and her deteriorating husband, tries to reach middle ground with Julian. Until his appeal for her to testify on his behalf, detonates the inevitable: her feelings towards a machine. At first she is marveled by how ‘human’ Julian looks and how capable he is to observe and conclude. But when those observations and conclusions go too far, by Julian taping into Claire’s personal life and family, the scientists belittles her own creation face to face.
The notion made me think that non-biological beings, super intelligent and infinite living beings are not the problem, being amongst us is not the problem. The problem is, the hand that is moving, creating and feeding these projects: Humans. We are the ones coming up with these ideas, we are the ones bringing anti-aging procedures to the table. Since the first scene of this 90 minute piece, very well directed by Jessica Bird, Nick Cagle’s portrayal of a –non human- is majestic. Rosina Reynolds embodies feminine power as Claire while showing a protective feminine side. Robin Sanford Roberts’ scenic design with an automatic door that opens and closes as the actors go in and out, communicates that ‘not too distant future’ time to perfection.
What questions will this valley throw your way?
(Photo credit: Darren Scott)
Performances are: Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Theatre: Lyceum Space, San Diego REPertory Theatre. 79 Horton Plaza
Prices: Tickets start at $31 to $75 / Students $18 / Military $20
Discounts for groups and seniors available.
San Diego REP Box Office (619) 544-1000
For group sales, call Kristen Schweizer at (619) 231-3586 ext. 617.
Tickets available for purchase online at www.sdrep.org.
Four hours free parking in the Horton Plaza Garage with validation at the theatre.
Surround events include:
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
BEFORE THE 2 p.m. SHOW
BIKE SD: CYCLE TO THE THEATER DAY!
Bike SD’s goal is to establish San Diego as a world-class bicycling city by promoting everyday riding, and advocating for the building of a standard-setting bicycling infrastructure. Committed to positive change and safety, the group aims to empower and connect San Diegans in a livable, urban environment. Become a champion for these goals by riding to the theatre today and enjoy BIKE SD’s complimentary valet when you arrive. Use the code BIKESD at sdrep.org for $10 off your standard ticket price!
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 at 7 p.m.
BEFORE THE 8 p.m. SHOW
AMIGOS DEL REP
Our favorite provocateurs from Amigos del REP invite you to participate in uncanny musings, music and dance. Originally coined by roboticist Masahiro Mori claimed people respond positively to robots while they look like robots, and negatively to robots when they look human (hint – this is the “uncanny valley!”). Amigos del Rep invites you to enjoy and ponder their efforts to chart the “uncanny valley” of theatre. Coordinated by John Padilla and Sylvia Enrique.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26 at 1 p.m.
BEFORE THE 2 p.m. SHOW
SCIENCE, ART, AND TECH (STEAM) LEARNING DAY
The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is the primary K-12 initiative of the Biocom Institute. Today’s event highlights and presents 12 student designs, out of 200 submissions, from the inaugural STEM Design competition. In addition to discovering the award-winning scientific artwork, you’ll get an insider’s scoop as to what you can expect for the 2016 Festival! Use the code STEMSD and $10 of your ticket will be donated back to the festival!
FRIDAY, MAY 1 at 7 p.m.
BEFORE THE 8 p.m. SHOW
BAR KNIGHTS: SMART PHONE TRIVIA
Forget the pen and pencil bar trivia you played in college, it’s time for the 2015 version of trivia! Bar Knights joins us for high-speed trivia. Just bring your smart phone and your smart self! Come early and grab a drink from our fully stocked bar at the REP.
SATURDAY, MAY 2 at 7 p.m.
BEFORE THE 8 p.m. SHOW
SIDESTAGE IMPROV: Uncanny Comedians
We never know where the comedy will go when improvisers from Sidestage Improv take the stage. But we always know it will be a good time with lots of laughs. Tonight’s improve session will be inspired by the comedy of machines we see every day.
