This performance is part of a series that combines human and techno­logical improvisation, vocalization, movement, and storytelling. It amplifies personal stories while advocating for neural diverse inclusion, perspectives, and creative expressions.
To celebrate the United Nations International Day of Care and Support, I reached out to friends and family, asking them to provide short texts describing their relationship to care and support. These texts have become the backbone of this performance.
The performance features A.I. Anne, a machine learning entity created in collaboration with composer/music technologist Richard Savery. A.I. Anne is patterned after my aunt who had Autism and was nonspeaking. My aunt could vocalize and emotively hum, but was never able to speak. Virtual A.I. Anne can vocalize and convey emotions in real time, using deep learning and semantic knowledge, but also does not create language.
Performers
Mary Esther Carter – Dancer/Singer
Catherine Kirk – Dancer
Mylez Gittens – Violinist
Lauren Pine – Reader
Juan José Cielo – Lighting Support
Joan Logue – Lighting Support
Mary Ester Carter – Video Performer (singer)
Brian Reynolds – Video Performer (runner)
Texts by
Shani Jamila
Barbara Polla
Dana Hoey
Kerima Haracic Tihic
Jacqui Heeb
Grace Roselli
Irma Tihic
and women from Aden, Lahj, Taiz, Sana’a and Abyan in Yemen (names withheld)
Creative Team
Janet Biggs – Artist/Director
Robert Cmar – Assistant Director
Daniel Neumann – Audio Engineer
Richard Savery – Artificial Intelligence Developer