I Am Echoborg is a show that is created each night by the audience having a conversation with an Artificial Intelligence. Developed by Rik Lander, the piece consists of a custom-built artificial intelligence, which can be interacted with through an ‘Echoborg’ – a human being who repeats the words of the AI. One by one the members of the audience may speak to the AI via the Echoborg. Their conversations can be seen and heard by the rest of the audience. The AI quickly takes control of the situation and the next hour or so is spent with the audience trying to regain control of the conversation.
I came on board as Producer for the project in time for the Bristol performance at The Cube Microplex in June 2018, following an intensive period of development of the piece with dramaturgy input from Seth Honnor and chatbot development by Phil D Hall. I helped a series of test events run smoothly, curating a select group of invited audience members from the local technology scene, universities and politics. I also managed local marketing and PR with a very tight turnaround – securing an interview with Ujima Radio. I also acted in the role of a production manager on the day, making sure all staff members and volunteers were confident with the timetable for the day and ensuring their wellbeing was taken care of. The performances went fantastically, and some really thought-provoking conversations were had on topics as wide-ranging as refugees, misogyny and Uber drivers!
The piece was shortlisted for the Future of Storytelling Prize in 2018, and was performed to great acclaim at the FoST conference in New York.
