In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a groundbreaking project at UCLA is redefining how we interact with AI, particularly in the realm of collaborative, multi-user experiences. The immersive staging of the musical “Xanadu,” performed in Spring 2025, served as a fascinating case study for exploring AI as an intermediary in modern-day rituals. This innovative production involved over five hundred audience members who contributed sketches and jazzercise moves, which were then translated by vision language models into virtual scenery elements and choreographic prompts. The project, led by a team of researchers including Mira Winick, Naisha Agarwal, Chiheb Boussema, Ingrid Lee, Camilo Vargas, and Jeff Burke, delved into the intricate dynamics of human-AI interaction within a ritualistic framework.
The researchers identified four key facets of interaction-as-ritual within the show. Firstly, audience input was framed as offerings that AI transformed into components of the ritual, creating a sense of collective contribution and participation. Performers acted as ritual guides, demonstrating how to interact with the technology and sorting audience members into cohorts, thereby facilitating a structured and engaging experience. The AI systems themselves were treated as instruments “played” by the humans, with sensing, generative components, and stagecraft combining to create systems that could be mastered over time. This aspect highlighted the potential for AI to be integrated into creative processes in a way that is both intuitive and adaptable.
Perhaps the most intriguing facet was the reciprocity of interaction, where the show’s AI machinery guided human behavior as well as being guided by humans. This created a dynamic feedback loop that visibly reshaped the virtual world, illustrating the potential for AI to enhance and augment human creativity. The production explored how AI systems can support group creativity and play, addressing a critical gap in prevailing single-user AI design paradigms. By framing the interaction within a ritualistic context, the researchers were able to integrate linear narrative, character identity, music, and interaction seamlessly, offering a holistic and immersive experience.
The implications of this research are profound for the music and audio production industries. As AI continues to evolve, the potential for collaborative, multi-user experiences could revolutionize how we create and consume music. Imagine a future where audiences are not just passive spectators but active participants, contributing to the creative process in real-time. This shift could lead to more engaging and personalized experiences, fostering a deeper connection between artists and their audiences. Furthermore, the integration of AI as a creative tool could democratize music production, making it more accessible to a broader range of participants.
The UCLA project also underscores the importance of designing AI interfaces that facilitate collaboration and group creativity. Traditional AI models often focus on single-user interactions, but the “Xanadu” production demonstrated the value of expanding this scope. By treating AI as a collaborative partner rather than a standalone tool, we can unlock new possibilities for innovation and expression in the arts. This approach could inspire developers to create more sophisticated and intuitive AI systems that support collective creativity, ultimately enriching the artistic landscape.
In conclusion, the immersive production of “Xanadu” at UCLA offers a compelling vision of how AI can be integrated into modern rituals to enhance human creativity and collaboration. The project’s exploration of interaction-as-ritual provides valuable insights into the potential of AI as a creative tool, paving the way for more immersive and participatory experiences in the music and audio production industries. As we continue to explore the capabilities of AI, the lessons learned from this innovative production will be instrumental in shaping the future of collaborative creativity.
