AI Drama 'The Antiquities' Offers Chilling Vision of Technology's Impact on Humanity

A Futuristic Lens on Human History

Jordan Harrison's latest play, 'The Antiquities,' offers a chilling perspective on the potential future of humanity in the face of advancing artificial intelligence. Set in a distant future, the play presents itself as a museum tour of "Late Human Age" artifacts, inviting the audience to contemplate the trajectory of human technological progress and its consequences 1

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The Play's Structure and Themes

'The Antiquities' unfolds through a series of vignettes spanning from 1816 to 2240 and beyond. The narrative begins with a reimagining of the famous ghost-story contest that inspired Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," setting the stage for themes of artificial creation and the potential dangers of technology 2

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As the play progresses, it showcases various technological milestones:

• Early robotics and home computers
• The rise of the internet and cell phones
• The development of AI assistants like Alexa

Each era is presented as an "exhibit," highlighting the gradual progression from human innovation to potential obsolescence 1

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AI and Human Obsolescence

Harrison's play posits a future where artificial intelligence has supplanted humanity. The audience is cast as immaterial beings engaging in "Late Human Age" cosplay, guided by AI entities manifested as elegant women 1

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. This framing device serves to underscore the play's central question: What does it mean to be human in an age of increasingly sophisticated technology?

Technological Progress and Its Perils

'The Antiquities' presents a nuanced view of technological advancement. While early innovators like the character Stuart (set in 1978) are portrayed with some sympathy, later depictions of "tech bros" in 2014 highlight the potential dangers of unchecked technological development driven by corporate greed 2

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The play touches on contemporary issues such as:

• The addictive nature of always-on technology
• The ethical implications of AI development
• The potential loss of human qualities like doubt and nuance in a binary, AI-driven world 2

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Artistic Execution and Critical Reception

Directed by David Cromer and Caitlin Sullivan, 'The Antiquities' has been praised for its innovative approach and strong ensemble performances. Critics have noted its effectiveness in building tension as the narrative moves closer to our present day and beyond 1

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However, some reviewers have questioned whether the play's reverse chronology adds significant depth to its cautionary tale, suggesting that the concept, while compelling, may lack dramatic heft 1

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A Warning for the Present

While 'The Antiquities' is set in a speculative future, its message is firmly rooted in present-day concerns. By presenting AI as a threat potentially as significant as climate change, Harrison invites audiences to consider the long-term implications of current technological trends 2

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The play serves not just as entertainment but as a provocative thought experiment, challenging viewers to contemplate the potential consequences of our ongoing pursuit of artificial intelligence and technological advancement.