The Company Theatre Stages "Macbeth" and Explores Human-Cyborg Relationships

Rochester’s Theatrical Renaissance

In the vibrant city of Rochester, The Company Theatre is making waves in the local arts scene with its current staging of Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" at The Temple Theatre. This production isn’t just another classic; it dives deep into the play’s enduring themes of power, ambition, and corruption, making "The Scottish Play" more relevant than ever in today’s sociopolitical climate. Plus, it marks an exciting venture for the fledgling theater collective, which aims to establish a new community theater as part of its post-pandemic vision.

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

Guest host Matt DeTurck welcomes a dynamic artistic team to the studio, featuring:

• Carl Del Buono: The talented actor stepping into the role of Macbeth and the founding artistic director of The Company Theatre.
• Philip Detrick: The insightful director of "Macbeth" and board vice president for the theater.
• Jill Rittinger: A passionate actress playing Lady Macbeth and board member, bringing her own unique perspective to the production.

Together, they discuss how the political themes in "Macbeth" resonate with today’s realities and the motivations behind launching a new theater space in a world that has been profoundly altered by the pandemic.

Robots, AI, and Human Love: The Cinema Connection

As we delve into the second hour of this intriguing conversation, the spotlight shifts from Shakespearean tragedy to science fiction.

From the iconic 1927 film "Metropolis" to the much-anticipated 2025 release "Companion," the evolution of human-robot relationships on screen is a fascinating journey filled with passion, intrigue, and often regret. With AI becoming an integral part of our daily lives, how does Hollywood’s portrayal of these relationships compare to our real-world encounters with technology?

In this segment, DeTurck engages with experts who shed light on the nuances of human-cyborg relations:

• Max Irwin: Founder and CEO of Max.io, bringing insights from the cutting-edge of AI development.
• Adam Lubitow: The programming director for Anomaly: The Rochester Genre Film Festival and a projectionist at The Little Theatre, well-versed in the artistic currents in film.
• Meghan Murphy: Co-founder of Anomaly, sharing her take on the genre and its implications.
• Scott Pukos: The communications director for The Little Theatre, connecting films to local audiences.

Their discussions promise to uncover the evolving definitions of love, companionship, and the potential consequences of integrating AI into our lives.

Join the Discussion!

Connections, the series that brings these conversations to life, is livestreamed daily on the WXXI News YouTube channel, inviting viewers to engage with the material in real-time.

As Rochester embraces a rich tapestry of theatrical and cinematic narratives, we can only wonder how these artistic explorations will influence the future of community engagement and technological dialogue in our region.

Wrapping It Up

In a world that’s rapidly changing, conversations like these remind us of the power of storytelling—whether through the lens of a Shakespearean tragedy or the complex portrayals of AI in film. Understanding these narratives helps us navigate our own lives in a tech-driven society.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.