– A Community Thought Experiment on AI, Grief, and Humanity –
Helena MT — Carroll College Theatre announces its upcoming production of Anthropology by acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson, presented as more than a performance: an invitation for collective conversation and community engagement.
Anthropology tells the story of a programmer grappling with grief and the emerging possibilities—and ethical questions—of artificial intelligence. But for this production, the play is only the beginning. Inspired by Gunderson’s belief in theatre as a thought experiment, director Julia Harris has designed a series of post-show interdisciplinary events with select Carroll faculty that invite audiences to stay with the questions raised onstage, rather than applauding politely and leaving.
“The structure of this production invites audiences to explore what theatre can be when it doesn’t end at the curtain call,” says Harris. “We’re inviting audiences to participate in ‘Act 2’ by staying to engage with one of three activities to unpack the themes of the play through creativity, discussion, or education.”
Theatre as a Thought Experiment
Playwright Gunderson discusses how theatre can function like one of Einstein’s Thought Experiments, where theatre is used to “test humanity in the ways that we can’t, or perhaps wouldn’t, survive, using the power of imagination.” Harris adds, “I think our location on a liberal arts campus is a good place to try this experiment, and this topic is one we are all actively navigating.”
Harris’ aim is to invite all voices of good will to a table, with the Fine Arts leading the way. “I obviously have no influence over global conversations, but working in my own sphere of influence, I would like to set a table to serve the conversation around AI where the Arts will provide the story/experiment.” Each performance of Anthropology closes with a different kind of post-show experience, offering audiences multiple ways to engage and consider the impacts, good or bad, of AI and our relationship to it. Each evening will offer a different engagement opportunity as the second act, led by Carroll faculty. Audiences are welcome and encouraged to participate in conversation around this topic.
Fridays, February 20 & 27: Art & Creativity: AI vs Hands-on. Carroll faculty: Diana Devine, Dr. Marie Suthers, Beth Demmons, and Rachel Martin will guide groups through a creative activity, one that is hands-on, and one that is device centered as we work to determine what a creative experience is.
Saturdays, February 21 & 28: Topic specific, small group discussions with Carroll faculty including Diana Devine, Dr. Alan Hanson, Beth Demmons, Rachel Martin, Dr. Elvira Roncalli, and more. Faculty will guide discussions around specific topics relating to AI and their respective fields.
Sundays, February 22 & March 1: AI 101: What can/can't it do? Carroll faculty: Rachel Martin and Diana Devine. For those seeking more of an educational/critical thinking offering.
The experiment doesn’t end there. There are also ‘bonus features.’
February 4, 7 pm, Simperman Hall/Wiegand Auditorium: Interdisciplinary Panel: AI in Society. Hosted by Academic Technology, Communications, and Fine Arts. Open to the public
February 26, 7 pm, Flex Theatre: Grief in the Modern World: Navigating Loss and Emerging Comforts, a panel on grief, a theme from Anthropology. The panel will feature Carroll faculty including Dr. Katherine Greiner (Theology), Beth Demmons (Wellness Center), Professor Jen Miller (Nursing), and Kelly Quinnett (University of Idaho Head of Acting and a Death Doula). Open to the public.
March 4, 12 pm, Flex Theatre: Brown Bag Lunch. Hosted by director Julia Harris.
The engagement series will culminate in a post-production community lunch, bringing together artists, audience members, and facilitators to reflect on the experience as a whole and ask: did it work?
An Invitation, Not an Obligation
All engagement events are optional, trauma-informed, and designed to welcome participants at different levels of comfort and curiosity. No prior knowledge of AI or the play is required.
“People can watch the play and leave, or they can stay and engage more deeply,” says Harris. “There’s no single right way to participate. The invitation is simply to experience a different way to explore a topic, and do so in community.”
Performance & Event Details
Anthropology
By Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Julia Harris
Performance dates: February 20, 21, 22 and February 27, 28, and March 1. Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 pm, Sundays 2:30 pm.
Location: Carroll College Flex Theatre (Lower Campus Center)
Post-show engagement events vary by performance. Full schedule and details available at the Theatre Tickets webpage.
About Anthropology
Lauren Gunderson’s Anthropology is a contemporary play exploring grief, memory, and artificial intelligence through the story of a woman searching for connection after loss of a loved one.
Gunderson is one of the most-produced playwrights in the United States, known for works that blend intellectual rigor with emotional depth.
The show features adult themes including prolonged, and sibling grief, addiction, abuse, abduction, childhood trauma, suggestions of suicide, and contains strong language.
About Carroll College Theatre Department
At Carroll, being involved in theatre is a choice available to all. We welcome students who are pursuing other educational goals while participating in our shows. Theatre students create a place of refuge for all lovers of art, and are enriched by the nursing students, engineers and veterinarians in our midst. If you want to belong to an active theatre program, Carroll is the place for you. Learn more at www.carroll.edu/academics/program-finder/theatre.
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