Robots Vs. Art “[argues] the power of art”. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where robots have enslaved the human race, the show explores issues surrounding the validity of art, the value of life and the threat of technology.
Performances by Natasha Jacobs, Paul David Goddard and Simon Maiden are fantastic, with each actor managing the intentionally overly-mechanical dialogue and physicality of the robot characters with ease. Daniel Federiksen's performance as human character Giles is let down by the fact that (ironically) it is difficult to empathise with him. Furthermore, while the piece flows well, some narrative choices are rushed and poorly executed. As well, the tounge-in-cheek references to the Melbourne Independent Theatre scene are numerous enough to be grating. However, while Robot Vs. Art is 15% short of being a spectacular show (to use their jargon) it is definitely a stand out of MICF and well worth checking out.
