Summary
Can you beat the AI in this Turing test game show?
Did you know that the first ever robot was a steam powered pigeon, made in 400 BCE? It was said to be successful because it fooled the other birds into thinking it was one of them.
Today, 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?
World Science Festival Brisbane presents the Australian premiere of Pigeon Fool by Counterpilot. Off the back of the critically acclaimed Truthmachine, 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.
Join friends and strangers as your omni-present host asks you to distinguish between human and machine. Humans are challenged to work together in a game of creativity, self-analysis and connection that challenges their human qualities, while the bots seek to pass undetected. Phone a friend, use a lifeline, and do your best not to be eliminated while AI inches ever closer to becoming one of us.
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 is it in fact the creation of a robot?
What do we have left that cannot be simulated, recreated or taken away by the machines?
Pigeon Fool is a 30 minute interactive performance work suitable for ages 15+.
*The Turing Test, coined after Alan Turing in 1950 was originally referred to as the ‘imitation game’, where a machines ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour was tested against that of a distinguishable behaviour to a human
This project is proudly supported by Queensland Museum and World Science Festival Brisbane, with thanks to Metro Arts, Soulbotix, Creative Australia, Arts Queensland, Brisbane Powerhouse and Placemakers*.
Pigeon Fool features as part of Social Science on Friday 22 March. For more information and tickets please visit Social Science.
More Information
Please meet at Queensland Museum and arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to your session as a complete lockout applies to this performance.
Session Times
Wednesday 20 March: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm
Thursday 21 March: 10:45am, 11:30am, 1:45pm
Friday 22 March: 12:00pm, 1:30pm
Saturday 23 March: 12:00pm, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm
Sunday 24 March: 10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 4:00pm, 4:45pm
Director’s Note
Counterpilot wishes to advise that this performance uses artificial intelligence systems that involve third party cloud-based processes. During interactive components of the performance, your voice or answers may be captured and processed via various means for the purposes of the performance. Counterpilot ensures that any data captured for the performance is used only for the purposes of staging Pigeon Fool and is not retained, stored, shared or used by any third parties, or by Counterpilot outside the scope of the performance.
By purchasing a ticket for Pigeon Fool at World Science Festival Brisbane 2024, you acknowledge your participation is subject to these AI systems.
Accessibility
Pigeon Fool occurs in a dark room and involves movement in and out of the theatre space which is a storage room within the Queensland Museum. There are some lighting effects and elements, including strobe lighting. Pigeon Fool relies on sound design and dialogue channeled through over-ear headphones each participant wears. Please take this into consideration when booking tickets if you are hard of hearing or use hearing aids/other auditory assistance devices. This performance does not use haze
Wheelchair access available, 50% visual content 50% audio content
Featuring
Counterpilot is a collective of interdisciplinary artists directed by Nathan Sibthorpe and including Mike Willmett (sound designer), Christine Felmingham (technical designer) and Elizabeth Hunt (creative producer).
Together, they create interactive performance works, activating audiences with new technology, rich design, and transmedia storytelling. Counterpilot seeks to transform the familiar, juxtaposing rich fictional worlds against a backdrop of the everyday.
Their works boldly experiment with new applications of technology. With interactive tools like geo-locative audio, SMS distribution networks, RFID voting systems and biometric sensors, Counterpilot seeks to put the audience at the centre of every performance experience – whether it be for physical journeys, experiential narrative, or heightened gameplay.
Since 2015, they have produced a number of major works, in partnership with organisations including Metro Arts, Brisbane Powerhouse, Next Wave Festival, Brisbane Festival, Sydney Festival, Darwin Festival, Horizon Festival, La Boite Theatre Company, and Adelaide Fringe.
Cost
Adult $25
Concession $20
WSFB Multi Tix Offer: Save 20% when purchasing 4 or more tickets to events across WSFB (excludes QPAC shows). Automatically applied at check-out.
Companion Card tickets available.
Age Recommendation
Suitable for ages 15+Pigeon Fool
20 Mar 24 ~ 24 Mar 24
30 mins
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