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Charlie Chaplin: Men Are Not Machines
AI is rising. Will humanity rise with it?
In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence, Men Are Not Machines brings the timeless warning of Charlie Chaplin crashing into the present moment.
Through a series of Chaplin-inspired vignettes, performer Russell Smith revives the humour, vulnerability and razor-sharp satire that made Chaplin one of the most powerful artists of the twentieth century. Audiences are transported to the turbulence of the 1930s — an era grappling with technology, power and uncertainty — only to realise how closely it mirrors our own.
As machines grow smarter and faster, Chaplin’s message feels more urgent than ever.
The performance builds toward a bold, contemporary reimagining of the iconic speech from The Great Dictator — a rallying cry for compassion, courage and human connection in an increasingly automated world.
Funny, moving and fiercely relevant, Men Are Not Machines is not a warning against technology.
It’s a reminder that progress means nothing if we forget what makes us human.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Duration: 50 minutes
Content warnings: Adult Themes, Loud noises such as bombs/gunshots, Mental illness
Access:
- Licensed Venue
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Accessible by public transport
- Various forms of contact accepted (written, verbal etc) for complaints and bookings.
- A quiet space is available
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Seating options are available
- Car park suitable for wheelchair transportation available within 2 minutes of the venue entrance.
- Gender neutral toilets available