Birmingham to host theatre production exploring dangers of AI
Set within a British South Asian family and the production follows a teenager who begins turning to AI for emotional support instead of the people around them.
South Asian arts and heritage events are set to take place in Birmingham this autumn with theatre, music and dance brought to the city.
Sampad, a company founded in 1990 that celebrates South Asian arts and diversity across the Midlands, has announced numerous events. One event ‘can we talk’ is a theatre production exploring the relationship between young people, artificial intelligence and mental health.
The production written by Rochi Rampal, a Birmingham based writer, is set within a British South Asian family and follows a teenager who begins turning to AI for emotional support instead of the people around them.
The cast includes Sneya Ranjani who has stared in BBC Doctors alongside Harpreet Kaur and Niall Heaton.
Rochi Rampal, writer of ‘can we talk’ said: “There’s no ignoring our intrigue, fear and perhaps even awe around what artificial intelligence is doing, and what it might mean for our future.
With its existence front and centre of our day to day lives and our seeming lack of control over how deeply it seeps into how we live, a theatre production offers a unique space to explore questions of human connection, particularly across generations.”
The 30 minute production is taking place on November 6 and 7, as part of BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Symposium 2026 a collaborative arts, mental health, and wellbeing partnership based in Birmingham.
Other events include a talk from sustainable fashion entrepreneur Rukhsana Sardar set in the Birmingham back to backs, a Bangla Special and a Diwali walking tour.
Piali Ray, artistic director of Sampad, added: “We want to create a programme that reflects the people and times we live in, while celebrating the diversity of South Asian arts and the artists who bring these stories to life.
“It’s about creating opportunities for people to come together, discover something new and connect with one another, reflecting our values of being rooted and responsive, connecting people and breaking down barriers,” said the director.
To book, visit the MAC Birmingham website.