In a groundbreaking initiative, the Arts & Culture Trust, in collaboration with the City of Ekurhuleni, is set to unveil an AI-powered revolution in theatre.
In the ever-evolving technological landscape, this groundbreaking initiative is designed to merge artificial intelligence (AI), mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR), and broadcast technology into live theatre, reshaping how South African creatives engage with the global stage.
The launch of the Smart Theatre will be a collaborative effort between the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), Soda World, and the Dumisani Masilela Theatre (DMT), with support from the City of Ekurhuleni and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
The Smart Theatre Programme will serve as an advanced training hub for performers, writers, directors, and technicians, providing them with essential tools to create, distribute, and monetise their work on global digital platforms.
The programme began in early February and will run through to the end of March.
Jessica Denyschen, CEO of the Arts & Culture Trust, revealed that the programme currently includes 40 participants in the Smart Theatre + Immersive Lab Programme and 10 individuals in the Writers Lab, bringing the total number of participants in this cohort to 50.
She added that the focus is on monetising the DMT with these technologies after the programme. A rental rate card for AI, mixed reality, broadcast, and technical services has been developed to make the theatre economically viable and then replicate the model in other theatres.
Denyschen further explained that DMT would essentially become the primary training hub for technicians. Although the course is not accredited, they are adopting an organic approach to fully embrace and leverage emerging technologies.
“The course is not accredited as the technology is rapidly unfolding, and we are working with an embracing and organic methodology to leverage any new tech. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.”
She also expressed that the revolutionary impact of this project will mark a pivotal moment in South African theatre and creative production.
“The Smart Theatre marks a defining moment for South African theatre and creative production. By integrating AI, mixed reality, and immersive digital tools, we are equipping artists to lead in global storytelling. Beyond creativity, this initiative provides direct skills transfer for jobs in film, theatre, and digital media.”
This groundbreaking initiative will be unveiled on March 19 at the Dumisani Masilela Theatre in Germiston.
The Star