MACH 33: Storytelling for the Future: A Symposium on AI, Ethics, and Playwriting

MACH 33: The Festival of New Science-Driven Plays at Caltech returns for its 13th year with two provocative new works exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence. In The Null Test by Ashley Quach, a fatal crash involving an AI-powered vehicle leads to a courtroom reckoning over algorithmic intent. In Dementia Doula by Tom Lavagnino, a family faces difficult choices when a lifelike caregiving robot enters the picture. Each staged reading is followed by a public discussion with science advisors—an invitation to think critically and collaboratively about the future we're shaping. The festival also features Storytelling for the Future, an interdisciplinary symposium on AI, ethics, and playwriting, bringing together artists and Caltech/JPL scientists for a lively conversation about creativity and responsibility in an age of accelerating technology. 

Schedule:

The Null Test – Friday, May 2 at 7pm
Storytelling for the Future: A Symposium on AI, Ethics, and Playwriting – Saturday, May 3 from 3–5pm
Dementia Doula – Saturday, May 3 at 7pm

Storytelling for the Future: A Symposium on AI, Ethics, and Playwriting

Panel Participants:

• Ashley Quach – Playwright, The Null Test
• Frederick Eberhardt – Professor of Philosophy, Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences; science advisor, The Null Test
• Joel Burdick – Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science; JPL Research Scientist; science advisor, Dementia Doula
• Solvin Sigurdson – Caltech Graduate Student (Control and Dynamical Systems), Division of Engineering and Applied Science; science advisor, Dementia Doula
• Tom Lavagnino – Playwright, Dementia Doula
• Travis Cloyd (Moderator) – Global Futurist; Professor at Arizona State University; CEO of Worldwide XR

All events take place in Frautschi Hall, Hameetman Center, Caltech.