In a modern retelling, the ancient tales of Pandora and Prometheus raise moral questions about the role of artificial intelligence in society.

San Francisco Ballet’s new production Mere Mortals, which premiered on January 26, is giving ancient Greek myths a contemporary twist, integrating the storylines of Prometheus and Pandora with the pressing issue of artificial intelligence (AI). The ballet explores how these timeless narratives can serve as allegories for technological advancements, particularly in the realm of AI.

In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, an act that angered Zeus, resulting in Prometheus’s eternal punishment. As a consequence for humanity’s transgression, Zeus created Pandora, giving her a jar she was warned never to open. However, driven by curiosity, Pandora unleashed evils into the world, leaving only hope trapped inside.

Tamara Rojo, artistic director of the San Francisco Ballet, sees a parallel between Pandora’s curiosity and the current technological age. “Pandora’s story is an allegory for technological progress,” she explains. “It’s the perfect tale to tell as we grapple with the moral questions surrounding AI development.” The ballet poses essential questions: Is AI a tool for empowerment that offers godlike powers to humans, or is it a destructive force that, once unleashed, cannot be contained?

Rojo, who joined the San Francisco Ballet in 2022 from the English National Ballet, aimed to bring stories relevant to the Bay Area’s current cultural climate. The proximity of the city to Silicon Valley, home to cutting-edge tech developments and a community of AI innovators, made the exploration of AI an urgent and fitting subject. “Just west of the opera house, there’s Hayes Valley, nicknamed ‘Cerebral Valley’ for the influx of AI professionals,” says Rojo, highlighting how the ballet seeks to reflect the growing presence and influence of technology in the region.

Through Mere Mortals, the San Francisco Ballet not only reinterprets ancient myths but also invites the audience to reflect on the ethical implications of AI as it continues to evolve.