Theatres of intelligence: artificial intelligence, human intelligence and the theatre play as translational thinking space

Abstract

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded into every aspect of human lives, our ability to differentiate between artificially-generated and human-created content diminishes. This practice-based thesis considers both theoretically and creatively how the theatre play might offer a trustworthy space for humans to represent and think critically about AI. By applying key findings from neuropsychology and cognitive science to the conceptual and actual design of three original theatre plays, the project suggests how plays can be conceived as translational thinking spaces. Ultimately, it argues that one of the oldest theatres of intelligence – the theatre play – offers a primary intellectual resource for thinking seriously about the most contemporary theatre of intelligence, AI.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2030.

Date of Award	Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Daniel Crookes (Supervisor), Sarah Eardley-Weaver (Supervisor) & David Johnston (Supervisor)