Art or control? Dystopian youth plays at Ettlinger Castle Festival

Art or control? Dystopian youth plays at Ettlinger Castle Festival

The castle festival in Ettlingen will inspire this year with a special youth play: "Are we what we are" by director Bastian Thurner. The piece deals with dystopian scenes that encourage the audience to think. It is about constant surveillance and the complex effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on our society, which come alive in the performance. An outstanding element of the piece is the roof garden of Ettlingen Castle - the only area that is not under control of the AI ​​and where clones can withdraw in open conversations to exchange their thoughts and feelings. As the Latest news report on June 28, 2025 at 4:51 p.m.

But what is behind this fascination for dystopias? Dystopias are characterized by oppression, technological control and social injustices, so Danielle Weidig . In contrast to utopia, they present a pessimistic vision of the future in which the freedoms of the individual are severely restricted. The role of AI is crucial because it is often presented as a tool for monitoring and reinforcement of economic inequalities. Questions about ethical control and the decision -making processes of the AI ​​appear essential.

dystopias in literature and film

There are also numerous examples in the literature that take up the topics of surveillance and manipulation. Classics such as "1984" by George Orwell and "Beautiful New World" by Aldous Huxley address the profound control through technologies and the dangers of the loss of human emotions. Such stories not only act as a warning, but also encourage discussions about social changes. In films such as "Blade Runner" and "Ex Machina", the relationship between man and machine is creatively researched and ethical questions are taken up.

The examination of technological developments also shows positive aspects such as the use of resources and the cooperation between humans and machines. praefactic describes that digital utopias also have their place and show hope. Nevertheless, dystopias remain an urgent topic that teaches us not to give up control over our own future.

In this context, the youth play "are we what we are" invites the audience to actively deal with the topics and take a look at the upcoming challenges. The performance in the roof garden of the castle, as a symbol of freedom and unaffected discussion, could not be more suitable. With his work, Thurner managed not only to entertain, but also to persuade them to think and the questions that the play raises remain in the memory of the audience.