Finnish theatres split over AI in stage productions

Two of Tampere’s largest theatres take different approaches to artificial intelligence in artistic work, Yle reports, after AI-generated elements in a production of Wicked prompted criticism.

Tampere Workers’ Theatre (TTT) chief executive Janne Auvinen confirmed that the musical’s video designer used AI features in software to create images for its imaginary world. Auvinen said the work remained the artist’s, describing AI as one tool among many.

Some audience members had asked why the production did not use real images. Auvinen said the story’s fictional setting had to be created through imagination, and that artists should decide how to do so. He acknowledged that TTT should have been more open about its use of AI: the production’s programme and website did not mention it. The theatre plans to disclose AI use in production information in future.

Tampere Theatre takes a stricter stance and generally avoids AI in artistic design. Theatre director Mikko Kanninen said audiences are exposed to AI outside the theatre and may not want to encounter “AI slop” on stage. He added that AI cannot be ruled out entirely from technical processes, since it may be difficult to know which tools use it.

The theatre is developing an AI strategy. Kanninen sees potential uses in administration and data processing, but said the theatre aims to avoid AI in artistic work. He also argued that large theatres risk looking small and cheap if they use AI in their art.

Yle asked other large Finnish theatres about their policies. The National Theatre, Helsinki City Theatre and Hämeenlinna Theatre said they were open to AI use but emphasised responsibility and transparency. The National Theatre and Helsinki City Theatre disclose its use when it significantly affects content or the audience’s experience. Helsinki City Theatre, for example, says in the programme for its & Juliet musical that AI was used in lighting and video design to generate four still images.