Creative Robotics Theatre

Creative Robotics Theatre: Directing AI and humans in rehearsal

Exploring the Symbiotic Relationship between Humans and Robots in a Unique Theatrical Experiment

Project Overview:

The University of the Arts London’s Creative Computing Institute is proud to announce a ground breaking project that delves into the intersection of robotics, AI and the performing arts. Titled “Creative Robotics Theatre: Directing AI and Humans in Rehearsal,” this innovative venture is set to redefine the boundaries of theatrical expression through the organic integration of AI, particularly generative AI, with human performers.

Creative Robotics Theatre project has a research network which aims to explore the cutting-edge fusion of robotic technologies and theatrical performance. Led by an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, artists, actors and theatre directors the network focuses on the creation of new practice-based research, case studies, and theoretical discussions that showcase the diverse interactions between robotics and the performing arts.

Research Question:

The central research question driving this project is to explore [generative] AI as a dramaturgical device intricately connected to a creative robotic theatre event. By examining the dynamic interplay between human performers and AI-generated content, the project seeks to uncover new possibilities in the realm of theatrical expression.

Aims: 

This research network seeks to explore:

  • Human-Robot Interaction in Theatre: Dynamics and collaboration between human actors and robotic performers on stage.
  • Robotic Performance and Storytelling: Utilisation of robots as performers to enhance narrative and dramatic elements in theatre.
  • Technological Innovations: Exploration of advanced robotics and AI technologies in theatre and performance.
  • Creative Processes and Methodologies: Insights into the creative processes of designing, programming, and integrating robots in theatrical productions.
  • Audience Engagement and Perception: Analysis of audience responses and engagement with robotic performers.
  • Ethical and Philosophical Considerations: Examination of the ethical implications and philosophical questions surrounding the use of robotics in theatre.
  • Case Studies and Practical Applications: Documentation of specific creative robotics theatre productions and their outcomes, including application in other areas such as social robotics and healthcare.

Topics of interest: 

  • Symbiotic Relationship: Investigate the symbiotic relationship between human beings and technology, as well as between analogue and digital actors within the context of a live performance.
  • Original Synthetic Fiction: Create an original synthetic fiction that explores existential questions and pushes the boundaries of traditional theatrical storytelling.
  • Multi-Sensory Theatrical Experience: Engage the audience in a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory theatrical experience that challenges both the limits of human existence and the conventions of performance art.

Team:

  • Hooman Samani (London)
  • George Rodosthenous (Leeds)
  • Doros Polydorou (Cyprus)
  • Yorgos Bakalos (Greece)
  • Elizabeth Jochum (USA)
  • Saina Akhond (London)
  • Mona Nasser (Plymouth)
  • Vali Lalioti (London)
  • Maria Chatzichristodoulou (London)
  • Joana Chicau (London)
  • Sarah Selby (London)
  • Diana Serbanescu (London)
  • Amelia Knowlson (Leeds)
  • Michael Neale (Hertfordshire)

Events:

  1. 20-22 Feb 2024, (S)He is not, Creative Computing Institute, University of the Arts London, UK.
  2. 1-2 Jul 2024, Creative Robotics Theatre Workshop at DIS 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark.
  3. 23-25 Oct 2024, Robotics & Art Special Session at International Conference on Social Robotics, Odense, Denmark.
  4. 9-13 Dec 2024, Argos Pilot Performance, Nicosia, Cyprus.
  5. 8-10 Jan 2025, Creative Robotics Theatre brainstorming, Creative Computing Institute, University of the Arts London, UK.
  6. 20 Jun 2025, Creative Robotics Performance Stage, London, UK.
  7. 3-7 Sep 2025, The Library of Unlived Moments, Ars Electronica 2025, Linz, Austria.
  8. 10-12 Sep 2025, Culturally Sensitive Stand-up Comedian Robot, International Conference on Social Robotics, Naples, Italy.
  9. Feb 2025 – Feb 2026, Creative Robotics Theatre and Performance Arts Special Issue at International Journal of Performance Arts & Digital Media.
  10. 2026, 1001 Nighs with Robots, UAL CCI and more
  11. 1-4 Jul 2026, Senate House, University of London, International Conference on Social Robotics, ICSR + Art 2026, London, UK. https://icsr2026.uk/

Creative Robotics Theatre group on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9862522/

Special Issue:

“Creative Robotics Theatre and Performance Arts” Special Issue at the International Journal of Performance Arts & Digital Media:

https://hoomansamani.com/ijpadm-special-issue/

Publications:

  • H. Samani, V. Lalioti, D. A. Serbanescu, J. Chicau, D. Polydorou, G. Rodosthenous, A. Knowlson, Y. Bakalos, M. Neale, B. Indurkhya (2024) Creative Robotics Theatre: Designing Creative Interactions with Tangible and Embodied Interfaces, ACM Conference on Designing Interactive Systems 2024, DIS 24 Workshops, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1-5 Jul 2024. Paper Link
  • H. Samani, V. Lalioti, D. A. Serbanescu, J. Chicau, D. Polydorou, G. Rodosthenous, E. Jochum (2024) Curtain Up on Creative Robotics in Theatrical Experiments, 16th International Conference on Social Robotics + AI, Odense, Denmark, 23-25 Oct 2024. Paper Link 
  • M. W. Kam, H. Samani, S. Akhond, C. Premachandra, V. Lalioti (2025) Culturally Sensitive Stand-up Comedian Robot, 17th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR 25), Naples, Italy, 10-12 Sep 2025. Presentation Link