The intersection of science and storytelling takes center stage as MACH 33: The Caltech Festival of New Science-Driven Plays enters its 13th year with an unflinching look at artificial intelligence’s growing influence on our lives.
The festival, running May 2nd and 3rd at Caltech’s Frautschi Hall, presents staged readings of two provocative new works that probe the ethical dimensions of AI technology through the lens of drama.
“MACH 33 energizes the conversations about scientific, mathematical, and technological questions by staging readings of new, unpublished, unproduced plays,” states the festival’s mission. “Festival playwrights have the unique opportunity to work with science advisors from Caltech and JPL — so we focus on plays that could benefit from this science mentorship.”
This year’s program features Ashley Quach’s “The Null Test,” which examines the aftermath of a fatal crash involving an AI-powered vehicle, leading to a courtroom reckoning over algorithmic intent. Tom Lavagnino’s “The Dementia Doula” explores the complex emotional terrain of a family confronting difficult choices when a lifelike caregiving robot enters their lives.
Beyond the performances, the festival includes “Storytelling for the Future,” an interdisciplinary symposium on AI, ethics, and playwriting that brings together artists and scientists from Caltech and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The symposium creates a forum for critical dialogue about creativity and responsibility in an era of accelerating technological change.
Each staged reading concludes with a public discussion featuring scientific panelists from Caltech and JPL, inviting audiences to think critically and collaboratively about the future being shaped by these technologies.
“The Null Test” will be performed Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m., followed by the symposium on Saturday, May 3 from 3–5 p.m., and “The Dementia Doula” on Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m. All events take place in Frautschi Hall on the second floor of the Hameetman Center at Caltech.
No reservations are necessary, with a suggested donation of $10. Parking is available in the ramp at 370 S Holliston Ave, with a map provided showing the walking route from the parking ramp to the Hameetman Center (Red Door).
The festival’s productions feature a mix of professional actors and directors working alongside students and members of the Caltech/JPL community — a collaborative approach that mirrors the festival’s broader mission of bridging scientific expertise with artistic expression.
Since its founding in 2013, MACH 33 has developed an impressive roster of science-themed plays. The festival recently expanded its programming with Launchpad, an early-development play lab designed to foster creative exchange between playwrights and scientists. This initiative focuses on works-in-progress in the earlier stages of the writing process, providing playwrights with the opportunity to collaborate with science advisors from Caltech and JPL as they develop their plays.
The festival operates under the artistic leadership of Brian Brophy, Director of Theater at Caltech, who serves as MACH 33’s Artistic Director. Arden Thomas serves as the Associate Artistic Director, while Cole Remmen guides the Launchpad initiative as Program Director.
For more information about the festival, contact Brian Brophy at brophy@caltech.edu.
