Am-dram group replaces missing Demetrius with AI voice and man who cannot act

THE Fabricated Players have solved their desperate search for a Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by combining an AI-generated voice with a body double who possesses no discernible acting ability.

The society had spent six weeks trying to cast the role before accepting that every man of approximately the right age was either unavailable, already playing Bottom or “doesn’t do Shakespeare”.

Director Margaret said: “Eventually Brian suggested using artificial intelligence.

“Then Malcolm said he was free Thursdays.

“Between the two of them, we’ve almost got an actor.”

Under the innovative arrangement, Malcolm will physically portray Demetrius on stage while all of his dialogue is delivered by an AI-generated voice through the theatre speakers.

Malcolm’s responsibilities will therefore be limited to walking to approximately the correct place, moving his mouth and occasionally looking as though he has feelings.

Margaret said: “We’ve told him not to worry about acting.

“Fortunately, that came very naturally.”

The AI voice has been trained to deliver Shakespeare with passion, clarity and emotional nuance, creating some difficulties when synchronised with Malcolm, who tends to stand with his hands in his pockets looking like he is waiting for a bus.

Mary, playing Helena, said: “There’s a scene where Demetrius passionately declares his love for me.

“The voice is absolutely beautiful. Tender, vulnerable, full of desire.

“Meanwhile Malcolm is looking behind me because he thinks someone has opened the bar.”

Technical rehearsals have exposed further problems.

On Tuesday the AI delivered three pages of dialogue while Malcolm was still in the dressing room.

Rather than stop the rehearsal, Margaret simply asked Mary to look towards the wings and “imagine he’s there”.

She described the scene as Malcolm’s strongest performance so far.

The technology has also occasionally generated unexpected dialogue.

During one rehearsal, Demetrius abandoned Shakespeare entirely and said: “Certainly! Here’s a more concise and emotionally compelling version of your declaration of love.”

Margaret said: “We’re keeping that in.

“It got the biggest laugh of the evening.”

The society insists AI is not replacing actors.

Brian said: “This is about supporting performers and using technology to fill gaps.

“The AI can speak but it can’t enter through the correct door, forget a prop or ask whether we can skip the fight call because it has dinner booked.

“We still need humans for that.”

Malcolm has embraced the unusual role and is reportedly developing his physical performance.

He said: “I’ve worked out three expressions.

“There’s normal, surprised and Shakespeare.”

The production opens Friday.

In the programme, Demetrius will be credited as Malcolm / Computer.

The computer is already being tipped for Best Actor.