"ROBOTIC THEATER: An Introduction to Actor’s Death on the Theater Stage of the 21st Century"
This book delves into the intersection of 21st-century theater and the integration of robots into contemporary theater art worldwide. Offering both a semantic and physical exploration of the historical presence of robots in theater, it stands as a valuable resource for performing artists and robotics enthusiasts.
About the Book:
"Nafiseh Saadat, in her book 'ROBOTIC THEATER,' explores the profound impact of robots on theater art. The narrative traces the evolution of robots on stage, examining their historical roots and semantic significance. Divided into three parts, the book navigates through the ancestors of robots, the opinions of influential theater artists, and the physical manifestation of robots in the contemporary era, especially between 2006 and 2019. With historical and conceptual approaches, Saadat offers insights into the semantic and physical integration of robots in theater, concluding with reflections on the future of this evolving art form."
About Nafiseh Saadat:
Nafiseh Saadat is an interdisciplinary artist and performing arts teacher, specializing in puppetry. A graduate of theater from Tehran University of Fine Arts, she shares her expertise in puppetry and stage design at universities in Shiraz and Tehran. With a keen interest in the intersection of visual and performing arts, as well as science and art, Saadat's contributions extend to research, teaching, and organizing workshops in various institutions.
Book Highlights:
- Part I: Definitions and Roots
- Semantic Rooting: The origin of the word "robot."
- Form Rooting: An exploration of robot ancestors.
- Part II: 19th and 20th Century
- Examining the semantic presence of robots in dramatic works.
- Notable figures such as Karel Čapek, Isaac Asimov, and leading artists' views on robots.
- Part III: Actor’s Death in the 21st Century
- The emergence of acting robots on the theater stage from 2006 to 2019.
- A glimpse into the future of theater with robotic theater as an emerging and contemporary species.
Recommended Audience:
This book is recommended for those interested in performing arts (acting, directing, writing, puppetry), science enthusiasts (especially in artificial intelligence, computers, and robotics), artists across various disciplines, and students and lecturers in art, artificial intelligence, computer science, sociology, psychology, and future studies.
Contents of the Book:
1. Introduction
2. First Part: Definitions and Roots
- Semantic Rooting
- Form Rooting
3. Second Part: 19th and 20th Century
- Karel Čapek and R.U.R
- Isaac Asimov and the three laws of robotics
- Traces of the presence of robots in the notions of leading artists
4. Third Part: Actor’s Death on the Theater Stage of the 21st Century
- The emergence of acting robots on the theater stage: 2006 to 2019
- Robotic theater, an emerging and contemporary species: A glimpse of the future of theater
