An IASH Work-in-Progress seminar, delivered Dr Alexandra Huang-Kokina (Digital Research Postdoctoral Fellow, 2024-25)
OperAI: Exploring science-fiction opera and human-AI interactions in immersive opera theatre
This seminar introduces my initiative, OperAI, which investigates how generative AI enhances the ‘embodied’ aspects of human creativity in musical-theatrical performances. The practice-led project has two parts.
The first part examines existing experimental operas categorised as ‘science-fiction opera,’ a distinct literary–musical sub-genre merging sci-fi narratives with speculative technologies. This concept, developed from my research, reflects the paradoxical synthesis of traditional operatic formats with the visionary themes of science fiction. Examples range from MIT Media Lab’s VALIS and IRCAM’s La Fabrique des monstres to Swedish works like The Tale of the Great Computing Machine and Japanese new music theatre such as Solaris and Android Opera Mirror. These operas showcase innovations like AI as lyricist or Large Music Model, or as mediator of robotic choreography. Narratively, they move beyond dystopian AI tropes, focusing on the interplay of ‘human mechanics’ and ‘soulful machines’ in today’s informational society. I argue that opera and science fiction, as symbiotic genres, foster immersive storytelling and enhance audience engagement, ultimately making opera more accessible and inclusive.
The second part involves my creation of AI Kaidan: Yūrei (Ghost) of the AI Empire, an immersive chamber opera blending AI creativity, human improvisation, and Japanese folklore. Set in 2100 A.D., it weaves a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and digital immortality, inspired by the Japanese ghost story Yotsuya Kaidan and reimagining Kabuki theatre and Gagaku music in a Western opera framework. Featuring interactive technologies and improvisation techniques, it actively engages the audience in real-time co-creation of the experience. As creative director and librettist, I am currently finalising this opera with an Edinburgh-based composer, a creative studio, and an international performance crew from Scotland and Scandinavia.
Please join in-person, or click the link below to join the webinar:
https://ed-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/83015772676
Passcode: b1QpaAD7