MACH 33: The Festival of New Science-Driven Plays at Caltech: The Null Test
- Public Event
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
The Null Test by Ashley Quach, directed by Mellisa Coleman-Reed
Synopsis:
When a tech executive dies in a self-driving company car, the engineer who designed the car's AI program is arrested for her murder. In the tense courtroom showdown that follows, legal precedent collides with moral ambiguity and algorithmic intent.
Cast/Crew:
- GLORIA CHUNG/REB CHUNG: Julia Cho
- PRESTON LANG, CEO of MANOS: David Kepner
- MAXIM REUSS: Max Gorbachev
- KEN SEXTON: Christopher Girt
- KANSAS ZUCKERMAN: Rémy Morgan
- JUDGE O'CONNOR: Zachary Abbott
- GREEK CHORUS: Anya Janowski
- STAGE MANAGER: Jolie Jones
All events take place in Frautschi Hall, Hameetman Center, Caltech.