In a world where robots are becoming more human and humans are becoming more robotic, what does it take to truly  declare our own humanness – and will anyone believe you?

The earliest known robot was a steam-powered pigeon created in 400BC. It was said to have been successful because it fooled the birds to believe it was one of their own. Since the days of the steam-powered pigeon, our robots have become increasingly human. The birds were fooled – are we?

Pigeon Fool,  created by Counterpilot, is a theatrical Turing Test meets game show, exploring humanness in the midst of the AI revolution.

Developed in collaboration with local AI experts at Soulbotix, this new interactive tabletop theatre work blends cunning algorithms and virtual beings, to put its audience to the test.

About the Urban Gallery

This work is part of the Festival Precinct, where we invite you to wander and wonder through our Urban Gallery every day of Horizon 2025.  

Situated in Ocean St, Maroochydore (Kabi Kabi Country), you’ll find a diverse collection of works nestled into streets, laneways and Big Top Shopping Centre — blurring the lines between physical, artistic and digital realms.  

Suitable for all ages, this free-to-enjoy 10-day art-trail will feature inspiring work from visionary Queensland and Australian contemporary artists, including First Nations artists.

Creative Team

• Created by Counterpilot
• Devised by Nathan Sibthorpe, Christine Felmingham, Mike Willmett and Sarah Winter

Acknowledgements

Pigeon Fool is presented by Horizon 2025 as part of the Festival Precinct Urban Gallery supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Big Top Shopping Centre.

Pigeon Fool was developed through Counterpilot’s Company Residency with Metro Arts with support of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Pigeon Fool was proudly supported by Queensland Museum and World Science Festival Brisbane; Soulbotix; Experience Gold Coast’s INCUBATE Residency Program; Metro Arts; and Brisbane Powerhouse.