The theatre industry is standing on the precipice of a significant transformation, one that envisages the stage populated not merely by flesh-and-blood actors but by digital avatars crafted from pixels and code. This bold futurism, championed by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, has ignited a fierce debate among industry professionals who express concern that such technological advancements may jeopardise the livelihoods of dedicated performers.

At a recent panel discussion, prominent figures in theatre proposed the concept of "virtual understudies"—digital entities designed to fill in for actors who are absent. Proponents argue that such innovations could not only ease the financial burdens faced by cash-strapped productions but also enhance accessibility for audiences. Claire Hodgson, co-artistic director of Diverse City, is optimistic about this hybrid future. She suggested that by 2050, audiences might regularly enjoy both live performances and virtual counterparts. “It would be a massive benefit to put an avatar on stage for someone who wasn't able to perform that night due to health issues or caregiving responsibilities,” she remarked, highlighting the potential for technology to alleviate the pressures on understudies in financially limited venues.

While the convenience of casting digital replacements may seem appealing, not all industry veterans share Hodgson's enthusiasm. Director Suba Das voiced scepticism about the ability of AI to replicate the nuanced artistry of live performances. He expressed concerns over the technological constraints specific to older theatre venues, noting that many are ill-equipped to integrate advanced holographic displays as seen in high-profile productions like ABBA Voyage, which relies on a specially constructed arena to showcase hi-tech avatars.

Critics outside the panel have raised alarms that the profession's very essence could be at risk. Carl Woodward, a theatre blogger, passionately argued against substituting live actors with virtual avatars, insisting that the spontaneity and shared experiences that define live theatre cannot be replicated in a digital format. Edward Akrout, an actor and founder of ArtShield, dismissed the hybrid concept as “naff” and claimed that if performances were scripted and replayed, the magic inherent in live theatre would be irrevocably lost. He stressed the importance of opportunities afforded to understudies and the social significance of their roles, describing understudying as a vital pathway for emerging talent.

This system of virtual replacements is not occurring in isolation. Recent legislative developments in California reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect performers' rights amidst these shifts. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed into law bills requiring contracts with artists to explicitly address the use of AI-generated likenesses, ensuring that performers are represented in negotiations regarding their digital counterparts. Similarly, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has been vocal about safeguarding its members against the threats posed by AI, notably filing complaints against companies that employ AI to replace voice actors without consent.

As the conversation around AI in theatre continues to evolve, competition from other sectors like music and gaming poses additional challenges. High-profile musical acts such as Kiss and Donny Osmond have already begun utilising digital avatars for performances, which raises further questions about audience engagement and the market's direction. Meanwhile, video game voice actors have taken to protesting against studios employing AI models that mimic their work without fair compensation—a battle emblematic of broader labour concerns in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

In response to these technological encroachments, some theatre professionals maintain hope that AI could solve practical problems within the sphere, with Kate Town, director of Theatre Royal Wakefield, suggesting that it could help streamline logistical issues beyond performance.

As these discussions unfold, the Society of London Theatre has yet to comment on the mounting opposition or to clarify how they envision integrating AI without diminishing the artistry that has long defined theatre. The quest for a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition remains a pressing challenge for the industry, reflecting a tug-of-war between artistic integrity and technological progress that will shape the future of live performance.

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Source: Noah Wire Services