Theater & Dance "Uncanny Valley"

Senior Honors Thesis in Directing by Denison Marsland-Rello '18

Written by Thomas Gibbons
Set Design by Sylvia Hickman '16, Costume Design by Joanna Booth '19, Lighting Design by Kathy Couch
Starring: Michaela Ednie '18 and Oumou Toure '18

Drawing on current research in artificial intelligence and robotics, Uncanny Valley charts the relationship between Claire, a neuroscientist, and Julian, a non-biological human. As Julian is “born” a few body parts at a time over the course of the play, Claire teaches him how to be as human as possible: mirroring people’s speech, engaging in small-talk, playing a musical instrument. Their deepening friendship and Julian’s growing “humanity” lead to the revelations of an unhealed sorrow in Claire’s personal life and, ultimately, the purpose for which Julian has been created. Uncanny Valley explores the painful divide between creator and creation, the inherent unpredictability of consciousness, and how we are redefining what it means to be human in the 21st century.

Tickets are free and available to the Amherst community. Reservations are recommended: (413) 542-2277.