The Zizi Show

AI Tool(s) Used

• Deepfake Technology: Utilized for generating realistic performances by mimicking human drag artists.
• Neural Networks: Trained on datasets created from videos of drag performances to learn movement, expression, and style.
• Interactive Web Platform: Designed to allow audience participation in selecting and combining different deepfake performances.

Description of Result

The Zizi Show (2020) is a pioneering drag cabaret experience that combines deepfake technology with interactive performance art. It features AI-generated drag acts created by training neural networks on footage of real drag artists, enabling audiences to experience a unique blend of identity, performance, and technology.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Data Collection:
   • A diverse group of drag artists was filmed at a London cabaret venue before its closure due to COVID-19, creating a rich dataset for training the AI.
2. Training Neural Networks:
   • The deepfake technology used neural networks to learn from the collected performances, capturing the nuances of drag artistry including movement, facial expressions, and styling.
3. Development of Interactive Platform:
   • An interactive website was developed, enabling audiences to engage with the show by selecting which deepfake drag performances they want to see for each act.
4. Performance Generation:
   • As audiences interact, the AI generates performances based on their selections, allowing for dynamic combinations and reinterpretations of drag acts.
5. Live Interaction and Deconstruction:
   • The show allows for moments of technical breakdown where the AI’s limitations become apparent, highlighting the difference between AI-generated and human performances while celebrating the creativity of both.

Tips & Tricks

• Using Deepfake Responsibly: When creating deepfake content, ensure ethical guidelines are in place, especially when representing real individuals or communities.
• Audience Engagement: Develop interactive platforms that allow audiences to play a role in the performance, fostering a deeper connection and experience.
• Exploring AI Limitations: Embrace and showcase the imperfections of AI, as they can lead to humorous or thought-provoking moments that enhance the overall experience.

Annotation

The Zizi Show represents a groundbreaking intersection of drag culture and artificial intelligence, challenging the boundaries of performance art in the digital age. By using deepfake technology trained on a diverse array of drag artists, the show invites audiences to explore identity, creativity, and the very nature of performance. As the audience engages with the AI-generated acts, they witness both the innovative possibilities and the inherent limitations of AI, revealing how technology can both emulate and diverge from human artistry. This exploration prompts viewers to reflect on the myths surrounding AI, particularly the idea that it can fully replicate human experience. Ultimately, The Zizi Show deconstructs the concept of performance, showcasing a digital cabaret that both celebrates and critiques the role of AI in contemporary art.

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