Theatre Director
Muffin and Chihuahua (2022)
SYNOPSIS
"Everywhere, Laika! Laika, everywhere!"
At a point in the near future, only few humans manage to survive, along with AI "Laika", built from a culmination of human intelligence. Toiling to enhance Laika's algorithms in each of their disconnected spaces, humans begin to experience abnormal changes in their body - slowly adopting the bodily characteristics of already extinct species. Though each individual makes the choice to either embrace or resist this change, this production throws the question, "What are the boundaries of 'human' and 'normal'?". Like distinguishing between a muffin and a chihuahua, could Laika tell the difference, and identify as humans, those who are slowly turning into animals?
"Laika, am I still human?" "Am I still human enough?"
CONCEPT
The mythology of Humanity gave birth to a ruthless desire to conquer mother nature, leading to the destruction of our planet. The human race has continuously, and exclusively, considered its existence at the highest importance, placing itself at the center of the world. However, this ascendancy and human-centric ideology has led to a point that threatens humanity's very existence. Muffin and Chihuahua shows that the things we believed to be 'humanity' are in fact not as amazing as they sound.
Artificial intelligence is merely a combination of human reason and computerized logic. Should the concept feel imposing or scary, then humanity should doubt itself. Humans are not the only actors in this world, and cannot live on without co-existing with non-human species. Just as humans rely on each other for survival, humanity must rely on animals and machines.
Muffin and Chihuahua challenges the typical science fiction narrative that places humanity in a confrontational position with animals and machines. Rather, it provides a glimpse into a world where humanity, machines, and animals coexist. Of course, this coexistence is not portrayed as purely safe or peaceful. Humans, machines, and animals continue to repeatedly collide and intertwine in the middle of destruction already brought by humanity. From this impossibility of coexistence, humanity must ask itself today how it should seek coexistence with other species that inhabit the world.
CREDIT
Directed by Sunghyun Lim
Playwright : Hyojin Shin
Cast : Euitae Kim, Saeyoung Lee, Euijin Cho, Hyejin Han
Dramaturgy : Minjo Kim
Assistant Director : Kitaek Oh
Scenic Design : Kyounghoon Cho
Lighting Design : Gwikyoung Ko
Sound & Video Design : Morceau
Producer : Heekyoung Na
Lighting Operator : Chaerim Chung
Graphic & Photography : Karim Hwang
Support : Seoul Foundation for Arts & Culture
Venue : Marry Hall