Interrobang

Chatbot Challenge

  • Performance
German or English /  approx. 90 mins.

Chatbots are theatrical machines: they engage in lively dialogues, take on roles, and display and evoke emotions. In “Chatbot Challenge”, two performers and a creative coder share the stage with chatbots and other AI systems. They explore the question: How much theater is in AI, and how much AI-theater have we already internalized? Starting from the core situation of theater – a live performance in front of an audience – the piece becomes an intimate encounter with global AI systems, their potential, and their strategies of deception. What happens when AI systems gain access to video, sound, stage, lighting, the bodies of the performers, and the reactions of the audience? Are chatbots the better performers? And how much work goes into their roles?

Team

Concept: Interrobang / Play development: Christiane Kühl, Till Müller-Klug, Nina Tecklenburg and Team / Performance: Christiane Kühl, Nina Tecklenburg, Lara Domke, Artificial Intelligence / Dramaturgy: Lea Goebel, Anna Krauß / Dramaturgy collaboration: Lara Domke / Creative coding: Manus Nijhoff, Florian Fischer / Set design, video: Theresa Reiwer / Video: Alexandre Silveira / Costume: Birke van Maartens / Music: Friedrich Greiling / Graphics: Jürgen Fehrmann, Julia Elger / Technical direction and lighting design: Dirk Lutz / Production management: ehrliche arbeit, Sandra Klöss / Company management & communication: Jack Willenbacher / Social media: Jack Willenbacher and Selma Böhmelmann / Public relations: Tina Ebert

Dates

  • Current
    • Re-run
      Sat 9.5.2026, 19:00 / HAU3
    • Re-run
      Sun 10.5.2026, 19:00 / HAU3
    • Re-run
      Mon 11.5.2026, 19:00 / HAU3
    • Re-run
      Tue 12.5.2026, 19:00 / HAU3
  • Past
    • Premiere
      Thu 10.10.2024, 21:00 / HAU2
    • Fri 11.10.2024, 19:00 / HAU2
    • Sat 12.10.2024, 19:00 / HAU2
    • Sun 13.10.2024, 19:00 / HAU2

Further Information

Visitor note

This performance features rapid image changes and strobe-like effects. It addresses discriminatory stereotypes such as sexism, racism and ableism, which can be reproduced using AI technology. As the AI is used live during the performance, the exact course of events is unpredictable. Discriminatory representations are spontaneously commented on by the performers. There are short scenes with audience interaction in which a photo of the audience is taken, projected and modified by the AI. All personal data is deleted after the performance.

Price: 22 €, reduced 12 €

9.–11.5..: Performance in German language
12.5.: Performance in English language

After the performance on 11.5.: Artist Talk / German

Credits

Production: Interrobang. Co-production: HAU Hebbel am Ufer, Schlachthaus Theatre Bern. Funded by: Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion, Capital Cultural Fund.

Location

  • HAU3
    Tempelhofer Ufer 10, 10963 Berlin

    HAU3 unfortunately is not barrier-free. Access to the theatre is via a stairwell (3rd floor). If you need help, please contact our Ticketing & Service team at +49 (0)30 259004-27 or email us at tickets@hebbel-am-ufer.de

  • HAU2
    Hallesches Ufer 34, 10963 Berlin

    There are two marked parking spots in front of the building. Barrier-free restroom facilities are available. Four relaxed seats are available in the first row of HAU2.

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