Maniac

Description

In 1997, the computer was first superior to humans in chess. At the end of the 20th century, rapid advances in science and technology culminated in a duel between humans and machines. The human product began to surpass humans themselves. Behind this achievement lie dreams and nightmares of the last century, which still resonate today. Chilean author Benjamín Labatut explores in his brilliant novel extraordinary personalities who dedicated their lives to the inexplicable depths of mathematics and logic, shaping our present permeated by technology. The story centers on mathematician John von Neumann, inventor of game theory, co-developer of the atomic bomb, and pioneer of artificial intelligence – "an alien among us." Yet, even Neumann struggles with his own, banal mortality in the end. Humanity cannot be driven out of humans. Labatut's skillful montage of facts and fiction leads us to the paths of people whose visionary thinking intertwines rationality and irrationality. For the first time, a work by Benjamín Labatut is staged at Schauspielhaus. Labatut's writing finds its ideal translation into theater through Calixto Bieito's impressive commitment to performing arts and their language. With his sharp sense of contemporary literature, the Spanish director adapts the novel for the world premiere at Pfauen. Bieito, known for his uncompromising confrontations with human nature and its depths, addresses the story of our technologized world on the analog stage – where it originated: among people. Cast and additional information: Featuring Markus Scheumann, Matthias Neukirch, Lena Schwarz, Steven Adjei Sowah, Verena Jost, Simon Kirsch, Edith Saldanha, Alexander Angeletta. Direction: Calixto Bieito. STAGE: Calixto Bieito / Barbora Horáková. COSTUMES: Paula Klein. MUSIC: Janiv Oron. VIDEO: Adrià Bieito Cami. LIGHT: Markus Keusch / Calixto Bieito. Dramaturgy: Nina Rühmeier