Georgia Tech and The Atlanta Opera Premiere AI-Focused Opera About Dementia and Memory

AI is coming to the arts at Georgia Tech, as a new opera explores what artificial intelligence could mean for aging parents with dementia.

Water Memory (which in sanskrit means Jala Smriti), is having its world-premiere during The Atlanta Opera’s NOW Festival, which brings new productions to audiences from June 12 to June 14. The opera explores memory, family, connection, and “the ways Artificial Intelligence  can be a vital tool for sustaining these human bonds in a deeply moving work,” according to a press release.

About The Opera

Water Memory is composed by New York-based Kitty Brazelton and Vaibu Mohan, a  writer, performer, producer, educator, and arts administrator. The two were winners of the 2024 96-Hour Opera Competition, a new works competition where five teams compete for cash prizes and the ability to commission their piece.

Water Memory was developed in collaboration with Georgia Tech and the opera’s conductor Chaowen Ting is a faculty member in the School of Music. Georgia Tech neurotechnology researcher Chris Rozell and accessibility leader Martha Kibler are also part of the production.

“We are thrilled to host the world premiere of Water Memory at the Ferst Center for the Arts.  This opera reflects the essence of Georgia Tech’s mission to advance technology and  improve the human condition. From our researchers sharing recent breakthroughs in  robotics, assistive tech, and aging with the creators, to the pivotal roles played by our  School of Music faculty and students in the performance, this project exemplifies the deep  collaboration we hope to continue with The Atlanta Opera,” said  Associate Vice Provost for the Arts at Georgia Tech Jason Freeman.

Tickets are now available for Water Memory’s productions on Georgia Tech’s campus on June 12 and June 14.