UNCANNY VALLEY Opens this Week at Barter Theatre
Originally coined by Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori in 1970, the term "uncanny valley" describes a strange revulsion or unease toward things that appear nearly human, but are not. This freaked out feeling is usually geared towards robots, but can also include computer animations and animatronics. Consider that animation (in a movie or video game) that looks so realistic, that it nearly tricks the eye into believing that it is seeing actual human beings on screen.
Producing Artistic Director Richard Rose says, "we've come along way since Mori's essay, impressive progress has been made on the simulation of the human form--the skin, the movement, the looks and gestures and so on." Rose adds, "Barter Theatre's production begs the question, what does it mean to be human? Will these non-biological humanoids be perfect? Or perhaps infused with our own wonderful idiosyncrasies?"
On stage, "Uncanny Valley" is a jaunt into the future where Claire, a neuroscientist, forms a relationship over time with Julian, a non-biological human. Explore the painful divide between creator and creation and the inherent unpredictability of consciousness as the production redefines what it means to be human in the twenty-first century.
Tickets for all performances begin at just $20. Barter Theatre is currently offering three productions for just $99 until April 28. The three for $99 subscription comes with subscriber benefits including 15 percent off additional tickets for friends and family. To purchase tickets, please visit bartertheatre.com or call 276-628-3991.
About Barter Theatre
Barter Theatre, the nation's longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the state theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.
Love Theater in Central Virginia? Join The Community!
Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.
Learn More
|
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers - Indigo Park Tour Ferguson Center for the Arts, Christopher Newport University, Newport News (10/17-10/17) |
|
Suessical The Hurrah Players (10/09-10/18) |
|
Seasonal Serenade Capital One Hall (12/20-12/20) |
|
Violent Femmes Elmwood Park Amphitheate (9/22-9/22) |
|
Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour Capital One Hall (11/24-11/24) |
|
John Crist Live Special Taping Capital One Hall (9/26-9/26) |
|
Music From The Sole Center for the Arts (9/26-9/26) |
|
|
The Bodyguard Berglund Performing Arts Theatre (11/24-11/24) |
|
REMnant A Tribute to R.E.M. Capital One Hall (8/22-8/22) |
|
The Legend of Korra in Concert Capital One Hall (2/19-2/19) |