Tampere theatres split on AI: Tampereen teatteri bans it in art while TTT used it in Wicked

YLE reports Tampere's two largest theatres have taken opposing stances on generative AI. Tampereen teatteri director Mikko Kanninen says audiences do not want "AI sloppiness" on stage, so the company will avoid AI in artistic planning. Kanninen allows that AI may be used for administration and data tasks, but not for core artistic decisions.

By contrast, Tampereen Työväen Teatteri (TTT) acknowledges that the video designer used AI tools to help create the imaginary world of Oz for the big musical Wicked. Managing director Janne Auvinen insists the result remains human-made art and rejects complaints that artists were replaced by AI. He admits the theatre should have disclosed the AI use in the programme or on its website and says it will do so going forward.

Other Finnish theatres have taken different approaches: the National Theatre and Helsinki City Theatre favour openness combined with transparency, while Hämeenlinna Theatre already uses AI in administration and is preparing an AI strategy.

The debate follows a recent city survey showing nearly two-thirds of Tampere upper-secondary students use AI at least weekly.