ODC Theater: Kinetech Arts: AURUM

San Francisco has its roots in the gold rush: in the mid-19th century, its population grew from a few hundred to tens of thousands, attracting immigrants worldwide. Kinetech Arts’s multi-media project entitled Aurum (gold in Latin) portrays a modern-day “gold rush” in San Francisco, with the world’s tech capital viewed through the events of 1849. Humanity is in a disruptive transition era analogous to that time of proliferation, as developments in AI are growing exponentially. By reflecting on the gold rush, when greed fueled ecological and human tolls, especially on the indigenous population and exploited workers, this project reflects on our place within a delicate ecosystem. This ecosystem now includes the intimate relationships between humans and the digital world.