by Dead Centre

An early iteration of a future project, To Be a Machine (Version 1.0) is an adaptation of the Wellcome prize-winning book by Mark O’Connell: an exploration of Transhumanism, a movement whose aim is to use technology to fundamentally change the human condition, to improve our bodies and minds to the point where we become something other, and better, than the animals we are.

In the midst of a global pandemic, where our bodies have become biohazards, transhumanists offer a way into a disease-free digital age. We follow Mark from cryonic storage facilities to basement biohacking labs as he meets the prophets of our techno-future. We use the theatre to hold a wake for the very idea of congregating together in a room, and a meditation on humanity’s attempt to solve the modest problem of death.

This adaptation was presented as a live-audience-upload-experience, as part of Dublin Theatre Festival. Premiere: October 1, 2020, streamed live from Project Arts Centre.

Performer Jack Gleeson
Featuring Mark O’Connell as himself
Adapted Mark O’Connell and Dead Centre from the book by Mark O’Connell
Technical Direction and Video Design Jack Phelan
Set Design Andrew Clancy
Sound Design and Music Kevin Gleeson
Lighting Design Stephen Dodd
Costume Designer Saileóg O’Halloran

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