Charlie Chaplin: Men Are Not Machines (presented by Darwin Fringe Festival)
Schedule
Sat, 25 Jul, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC+09:30Location
Brown's Mart | Darwin, NT
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AI is rising. Will humanity rise with it?In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence, Men Are Not Machines brings the timeless warning of Charlie Chaplin crashing into the present moment.
Through a series of Chaplin-inspired vignettes, performer Russell Smith revives the humour, vulnerability and razor-sharp satire that made Chaplin one of the most powerful artists of the twentieth century. Audiences are transported to the turbulence of the 1930s — an era grappling with technology, power and uncertainty — only to realise how closely it mirrors our own.
As machines grow smarter and faster, Chaplin’s message feels more urgent than ever.
The performance builds toward a bold, contemporary reimagining of the iconic speech from The Great Dictator — a rallying cry for compassion, courage and human connection in an increasingly automated world.
Funny, moving and fiercely relevant, Men Are Not Machines is not a warning against technology.
It’s a reminder that progress means nothing if we forget what makes us human.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Duration: 50 minutes
Recommended for ages: Family friendly, parental supervision recommended
Content warnings: Adult Themes, Loud noises such as bombs/gunshots, Mental illness
Access:
Licensed Venue
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible by public transport
Various forms of contact accepted (written, verbal etc) for complaints and bookings.
A quiet space is available
Assistance dogs welcome
Seating options are available
Car park suitable for wheelchair transportation available within 2 minutes of the venue entrance.
Gender neutral toilets available
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Where is it happening?
Brown's Mart, 12 Smith St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia, DarwinEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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