Uncanny Valley

by Thomas Gibbons

Drawing on current research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the possibility of “downloading” human consciousness as a means of extending the human lifespan, Uncanny Valley charts the relationship between Claire, a neuroscientist, and Julian, a nonbiological human. As Julian is “born” over the course of the play---first his head, then an arm, then both arms and his torso, and finally his legs---Claire...

Drawing on current research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the possibility of “downloading” human consciousness as a means of extending the human lifespan, Uncanny Valley charts the relationship between Claire, a neuroscientist, and Julian, a nonbiological human. As Julian is “born” over the course of the play---first his head, then an arm, then both arms and his torso, and finally his legs---Claire educates him in techniques of being as human as possible: mirroring people’s speech, engaging in small talk, playing a musical instrument. Her goal is to overcome the “uncanny valley” effect by which people’s initial fascination with a lifelike artificial human inevitably transforms into revulsion. Their deepening friendship and Julian’s growing “humanity” lead to the revelations of an unhealed sorrow in Claire’s personal life and, ultimately, the purpose for which Julian has been created. The play culminates in an unexpected encounter between them that tests their knowledge of each other and of their own natures. Uncanny Valley explores the painful divide between creator and creation, the inherent unpredictability of consciousness, and how we are redefining what it means to be human in the 21st century. Selection of the Continued Life of New Plays Fund. Published by Dramatists Play Service.

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Uncanny Valley

Recommended by

  • National New Play Network: Uncanny Valley

    Uncanny Valley by Thomas Gibbons received a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The partnering NNPN Member Theaters were Contemporary American Theatre Festival (Shepherdstown, WV), InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia, PA), San Diego Repertory Theatre (CA), and Capital Stage (Sacramento, CA).

    Uncanny Valley by Thomas Gibbons received a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The partnering NNPN Member Theaters were Contemporary American Theatre Festival (Shepherdstown, WV), InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia, PA), San Diego Repertory Theatre (CA), and Capital Stage (Sacramento, CA).

  • Liam Castellan: Uncanny Valley

    Thought-provoking and sharp. Gibbons uses artificial intelligence to ask questions about what makes us human, and what might our humanity look like in the future.

    Thought-provoking and sharp. Gibbons uses artificial intelligence to ask questions about what makes us human, and what might our humanity look like in the future.

  • Nan Barnett: Uncanny Valley

    Yet another thought provoking, smart, visionary play by one of NNPN's favorites. Uncanny Valley takes us into the near future and asks us questions about what makes us human and what happens to memories once our human container is no longer capable. Fascinating and funny, chilling and compelling!

    Yet another thought provoking, smart, visionary play by one of NNPN's favorites. Uncanny Valley takes us into the near future and asks us questions about what makes us human and what happens to memories once our human container is no longer capable. Fascinating and funny, chilling and compelling!

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization The Actors Company Theatre NewTACTics Festival, Year 2014
  • Type Reading, Organization PlayPenn, Year 2013

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Contemporary American Theater Festival, Year 2014
  • Type Professional, Organization InterAct Theatre Company, Year 2015
  • Type Professional, Organization Capital Stage, Year 2015
  • Type Professional, Organization 5th Wall Theatre, Year 2015
  • Type Fringe, Organization Taipei Fringe Festival, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Restless Artists Theatre Company, Year 2016
  • Type University, Organization University of Georgia, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Stoneham Theatre, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Elite Theatre, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Pear Theatre, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization Barter Theatre, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization Open Stage of Harrisburg, Year 2017
  • Type Professional, Organization International City Theatre, Year 2017
  • Type University, Organization Amherst College, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization Benchmark Theatre, Year 2018
  • Type University, Organization King University, Year 2024
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Isadoora Theatre Company, Year 2024