Humanoid robots vs. humans: Semperoper unleashes dramatic battle!

Humanoid robots vs. humans: Semperoper unleashes dramatic battle!

The youth opera “humanoid” is currently being performed at the Semperoper, bringing a breath of fresh air into Dresden’s culture. The opera takes place in the year 2037 and highlights the exciting but also worrying relationship between humans and machines. The focus is on the young programmer Jonah, who, after the tragic loss of his girlfriend, lives with a humanoid robot named Alma that he created himself. To avoid the pain, he wipes Alma's memory every day, but the android takes on a life of its own and tests his control. A dramatic race for life and death takes place as the protagonists have to face questions of humanity and ethics. As MDR reports, the production by Leonard Evers and director Lars Marcel Braun is not only a musical experience, but also a critical examination of the role of artificial intelligence in our lives.

The topics that “humanoid” deals with are highly topical. The interaction between humans and AI is changing rapidly, and the question of how many humans are necessary to create a machine is central. The video artist Janic Bebi emphasizes that such works are intended to raise new questions and provide food for thought without offering clear answers. That is exactly the core of the production: it addresses the tension between control and uncontrollability.

Perceived reality and technology

The opera also raises ethical questions, which are addressed in the recent statement of the German Ethics Council. The influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on our self-image is unmistakable. The Ethics Council sheds light on how the digital penetration of the living world expands human authorship, but can also endanger it. Particularly in view of isolation and dependence on technologies, the critical examination of these topics is becoming increasingly important.

This opera highlights the human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach, in which humans are actively involved in the decision-making process of AI systems. Such interactions are crucial in various areas of life, be it in industry, medicine or everyday life. The HITL approach ensures that people do not become mere spectators, but rather take on the associated responsibility as active co-creators. AI itself remains a tool that must be used carefully to minimize risks and misconduct.

Sold out performances and glimpses of the future

The performances of “humanoid” are already sold out, which shows that the topic is of great interest. The combination of science fiction elements and thriller has its charm and ensures captivated viewers. Braun and Bebi emphasize that it is crucial to control AI and not feel controlled. This creates a deep connection between art and technology, which is certainly important at a time when humans and machines are growing ever closer together.

The opera “humanoid” invites you to think about our future and reflect on the responsibility we bear in dealing with technology. The imagination unfolded here could provide a glimpse into a world that might await us in the not-too-distant future.