Robot Theaters: Collisions in Performance and Social Robotics

Robot Theaters explores the fascinating theatrical nature of robots and their unique capacity to illuminate human performativity through their own machinic performances.

This groundbreaking anthology challenges conventional scientific and commercial approaches to robotics by positioning theater and dance methodologies as essential frameworks for understanding our increasingly automated world. The collection traverses diverse territories – from the historical contexts of performing robots in social and staged settings to the industrial and military applications of robotics technology. Contributors examine the creative possibilities emerging at the intersection of choreography and robotic performance, revealing unexpected spaces for play, joy, and artistic collaboration. The book weaves together scholarly perspectives with insights from practicing artists through illuminating interviews with prominent figures in the field: Thomas DeFrantz discusses the racial dimensions of robot performance, Sydney Skybetter reflects on choreorobotic practice within university research environments, and Taiwanese choreographer-roboticist Huang Yi shares his pioneering creative methodologies. By bringing together these interdisciplinary conversations spanning choreography, critical race studies, feminist media studies, research-creation methods, and biopolitics, the anthology offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on the robot as performer.

This innovative collection will appeal to scholars and practitioners in performance studies, robotics, media arts, and cultural studies, as well as anyone interested in the evolving relationship between technology and creative expression.

Hilary Bergen holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. She is an FRQSC Postdoctoral Researcher at The New School in New York City.

Eric Mullis is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Queens University of Charlotte, U.S.A.

Benny Simon received an MA in Dance Education from New York University and is a PhD candidate in Dance Studies at The Ohio State University.

Sydney Skybetter is the Director of the Brown Arts Institute and an Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies at Brown University, U.S.A.