The Mary Sue: The Wiz is very good; generative AI in the arts is very bad. Unfortunately, some dumbo thought it was a good idea to combine the two, leading to AI-generated images being used throughout the hotly anticipated revival of the groundbreaking, beloved musical, currently in its pre-Broadway national tour.
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The use of AI-generated backdrops in the revival of "The Wiz" is a topic that resonates deeply with me. As I've mentioned in previous discussions, AI is undoubtedly a powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives. However, the decision to employ AI-generated images in a production headed for Broadway has left me both perplexed and concerned. Theatrical productions have a rich history of using meticulously designed backdrops to create enchanting and immersive worlds that transport audiences. These backdrops are an integral part of the grandeur and magic of theater, whether in ballet, opera, or Broadway shows. They have contributed to the unique charm and artistry of live performances for generations. The news that AI-generated images have replaced these traditional backdrops, and furthermore, that their artificial nature is "painfully obvious," is disheartening. It raises questions about the balance between technological advancement and preserving the artistic integrity and tradition of live theater. While AI has its place in modern creative endeavors, it should be utilized thoughtfully to enhance, not detract from, the magic of the stage. This development challenges us to reconsider the role of AI in the theater and to ensure that it enhances, rather than diminishes, the essence of live performance.
I recently saw the touring production of The Wiz at the Benedum and left with the same opinion as the writer of this article. While I do see the need for technological innovation in the modern age in terms of safety and spectacle in theatre, I struggle with the use of AI in design. Art exists to tell the nuanced human experience and preserve culture, and when AI is used, this deeply human experience is lost. Additionally, in an industry so reliant on the collaborative creative process, AI toiles with how we approach the theater-making process. I trust that these considerations were taken into account when designing The Wiz and understand that tough calls always must be made, however, I hope that future productions do not steer in this direction. At CMU, we are at an interesting intersection of AI and art, and this article did make me ponder how we can use new technology effectively as designers, while not dissolving the theatrical creative process.
I just saw the Wiz revival and right after I saw it I heard about the news about the backgrounds being AI generated. I didn’t really notice the projections when I saw the show. I didn’t love them but I also tend to think that projection in general is overused and feels disingenuous compared to hand painted drops. That is my own personal opinion and projections can be amazing when used well. That being said I didn’t enjoy the Wiz’s use of projections in general but I hadn’t really noticed them. However looking back after reading this article I can see where the projections are a bit funky. It’s weird that the Wiz didn’t just admit to using AI generated projections instead of staying quiet about it. It suggests that they feel a sort of shame around the projections. The thing about AI in art is that it can be used as a good tool for artists. However when it becomes an issue is when it replaces artists. I know plenty of artists who have used AI to help generate backgrounds that they then edit to help with their painting. I would still consider that to be original art. AI is also quite useful in photoshop and I think it should be used as a tool. It makes me very upset when big companies use AI to replace artists and give the whole tool a bad name.
I totally agree with everything this article was saying. When AI first came out and started to gain popularity I was like ok whatever, I don't really care. And then it moved into the arts and all of the sudden I really started to care. I agree with what this author was saying, AI does not belong in the arts. I think it could be used to brainstorm, or other simple things like that. But I do not think it should be used to create art. I think it removes the entire purpose of art. Art is beautiful because it is made by human beings that have thoughts, and stories that motivate it. It is clear with this production and what was pointed out that when AI is used to make art it does not produce to the same quality that humans can produce. The second point brought up about art already being underpaid and this makes that worse is also something I agree with. AI does not belong in art.
I saw the Wiz while it was in town and I remember when the show first started thinking to myself after seeing the first backdrop “huh, they are using AI Backdrops.” I thought it was an interesting choice, and not one that I was opposed to at first. Personally I have never liked the idea of AI generated art because it is A) not good and B) takes jobs away. That being said, I am all for projections, I quite like them when done well however the Wiz projections, I felt were not as good as they could have been had a human hand made them. I did not mind the projections in Moulin Rouge. I actually thought they complemented the show pretty well however, it seemed that they were never the main focus, they were more of an accent in most scenes. However I felt that in the Wiz a lot of it relied heavily on backdrops. In the beginning, having the AI drop was okay but then as the show went on and there were more and more generated backdrops it just became too much. Had the style of the art been more consistent I may not have minded as much however I did not like the way the backdrops changed from Cartoon to realistic to stylistic, sometimes all in the same drop. I felt that it made the show feel disconnected and hindered the unity of the world the characters lived in. Overall, I feel like Broadway should set and keep to a higher standard than they displayed in this show.
YES! I agree with everything this article is saying. I was supposed to see The WIZ at The Benedum last weekend, but my plans changed. I would have definitely like to have seen HOW exactly they used AI and how that influenced the production. But, from what I’m reading from other comments, they used AI projections as backdrops. I just closed a production of Wizard of Oz last school year at my High School, and we used projections in addition to a set. Obviously, The WIZ and The Wizard of Oz aren't the same production, but The WIZ is based off of the latter. I hated the fact we used projections because it felt like an escape
from putting further work into constructing a set. I also feel like full backdrop projections don't look as clean as people think they do, and if being used, there needs to be a better way for them to work. Bottom line, AI has NO PLACE on broadway and in the art world because it takes credit away from artists who 1.) make art for a living, and 2.) can do a much better job than AI. End of story.
I wish I had read this article before watching THE WIZ at the Benedum a couple weeks ago. I really liked the costumes, and how each area had their own colors, and that was really cool to see. As well as Dorothy going from black and white before the hurricane to turning colorful after she gets pulled into the world, that was really interesting for me to see. I also really appreciated the choreography, and I really thought the choreography for each song really fit the vibe for those particular songs. All the actors seemed so energetic and into the show, and I really enjoyed watching it. I also thought the projections were pretty cool, but now that I’ve learned that it was AI generated, and there are also large flaws in it, I am really disappointed in the designers. Many of the flaws can be obvious if you just look at it on its own, and even getting an artist to go over and fix those flaws could been better than using pure AI.
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