This is a fascinating concept: with AI at the heart of it, you, the audience member, are taken on a journey to your future self, guided by information you enter when you take part in the pre-show guidance. Headphones and a mobile phone are needed, although spares are available for anyone not equipped, and a QR code needs to be scanned to download the guided programme. Once set up, you are guided to the Waiting Room.
The set up is simple but interesting – in a dark room with a projection on the wall, we all wait until the time is right to all follow the journey together on our headphones. It is personalised with the information you enter at the beginning, but this is a little clunky as it simply re-iterates almost word-for-word what you entered. There is a set tour, and we all follow it together, with the help of the team in the room.
The music going into changes between the set elements of the guided journey end abruptly so there is no smooth transition, which might have helped to make it feel more connected as one path. The future self that you meet is not quite as revelatory as the premise indicates, due to the similarity with the originally entered text. Despite this however, it is interesting to see how far AI has. With more strengthening of the AI interaction and the storyline, this could become a real eye-opener and give that fully individualised adventure.
Show Time: 13-16 Aug @ 15:00
C Venues – C Alto
Ticket Prices: £12-£16
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ai-the-waiting-room-an-audiovisual-journey
Warnings: Bring charged smart phones with headphones. You must be able to scan QR codes with your phone. Audience required to participate including moving around the space during the performance. No latecomers admitted.
Space accessibility: Accessible entry: Enter building from Victoria Terrace using permanent ramp. Take stairs or lift up two levels to first floor. There is level access to space. Accessible toilets at rear of on ground floor foyer. Wheelchair access type: Lift (Building Lift). Stairs: None. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair accessible toilets. May not apply to all performances.
Age suitability: 14+ (guideline). Babes in arms policy: babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: children under 2 years.