Photograph: Ste Murray
all stories begin in our endings. we invent them because we die
To Be a Machine, Mark O’Connell
An early iteration of a future project, To Be a Machine (Version 1.0) is an adaptation of the Wellcome prize-winning book by Mark O’Connell: an exploration of Transhumanism, a movement whose aim is to use technology to fundamentally change the human condition, to improve our bodies and minds to the point where we become something other, and better, than the animals we are.
In the midst of a global pandemic, where our bodies have become biohazards, transhumanists offer a way into a disease-free digital age. We follow Mark from cryonic storage facilities to basement biohacking labs as he meets the prophets of our techno-future. We use the theatre to hold a wake for the very idea of congregating together in a room, and a meditation on humanity’s attempt to solve the modest problem of death.
This adaptation was presented as a live-audience-upload-experience, as part of Dublin Theatre Festival.
To Be a Machine (Version 1.0) premiered on 1st October 2020, streamed live from Project Arts Centre as part of Dublin Theatre Festival.
For all touring information, and information on future versions, please contact info@deadcentre.org
“We may be in for the deadening gloom of a winter of virtual productions but this exciting online show transcends dehumanising platforms and proves that, when it works, it works masterfully.”
★★★★
Sunday Times
“Theatrical innovators Dead Centre take virtual life as both the form and subject… It does, improbably, offer some sense of communion.”
★★★★
Sunday Business Post
“The show to make you mourn live theatre while also getting excited about the potential for using digital technology with inventiveness, style and intelligence.”
★★★★
The Stage
Performed by Jack Gleeson
Featuring Mark O’Connell as himself
Adapted by Mark O’Connell and Dead Centre from the book by Mark O’Connell
Technical Direction and Video Design Jack Phelan
Set Design Andrew Clancy
Lighting Design Stephen Dodd
Sound Design and Music Kevin Gleeson
Costume Designer Saileóg O’Halloran
Production Manager Seán Dennehy
Stage Manager Martina Kavanagh
Sound Assistant Jenny O’Malley
Video Assistant Laura Rainsford
Camera Operator and ASM Maeubh Brennan
iPad ASM Grace Halton
Assistant Costume Designer Ellen Kirk
Make-up Effects Eugenia Genunchi
Chief LX Sebastian Pizarro Oliveira
Software Developer Zac Davison
Graphic Design Jason Booher
The Arm Dylan Tonge-Jones
Producer Natalie Hans
Directed by Bush Moukarzel and Ben Kidd
TOUR DATES
2021
December - Némo Bienniale Internationale (FR)
2022
March - Hong Kong Arts Festival (HK)
Touring supported by Culture Ireland
To Be a Machine (Version 1.0) is a Dead Centre co-production with Dublin Theatre Festival. Developed and supported by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin as part of the European ARTificial Intelligence Lab project. Co-Funded by the Creative Europe. Supported by the Arts Council.
