Rashaun Mitchell + Silas Reiner: Open Machine

Open Machine is an open experiment. For their new Walker commission, choreographers Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener return with a dynamic work that imagines an artificial intelligence lovingly programmed through experimental dance. Open Machine brings together live speech‑to‑text transcription and conjured images that react to the unfolding performance, blurring the lines between brain, body, and machine. As dancers navigate the stage with precision and abandon, the piece reflects the social and spatial structures that shape daily life.

Featuring luminous media design by Jesse Stiles, a sweeping electro-acoustic score by Charmaine Lee and Mas Ysa, and lighting design by Davison Scandrett.

Content Warnings/Age Recommendations

Sensory note: This performance contains flashing lights and disorienting video. This performance is recommended for ages 13 and older.

Themes

Nowadays, there is a lot of discourse about the potential dangers and/or benefits of AI. This show imagines a form of AI that is created with love and care. What might that mean? How could tech programming be done with love and care? Are there current examples that you’ve heard of or seen?

Accessibility

Many performance venues offer accessibility accommodations such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening, sensory ear plugs, ASL interpretation, open captioning, or audio description, among other options. These accommodations are specific to each event, and may not be available everywhere. When registering with us, please let us know what accommodations you need and we will follow up with you!

Transportation

If you do not have access to a ride, call Project Success and we can provide transportation for you. Please let us know if you need a ride when you make your reservation. We will need at least 2 days’ notice to set up transportation.

Childcare

Childcare is available for this performance. Please let us know if you need childcare when you make your reservation.