How successful is artificial intelligence as a playwright and dramaturg?

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https://doi.org/10.29329/pedper.2026.204
The aim of this study is to examine the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) as both a playwright and a dramaturg by comparing AI-generated and human-written theatrical texts and dramaturgical interpretations. The study employs a qualitative research design using document analysis. Within the scope of the research, ChatGPT 5.1 generated a one-act play, Tomorrow Is the Deadline, which was analyzed dramaturgically by Dr. Amina Zhaman. In addition, Zhaman's play, The Chaliapin O'Neill, was analyzed by ChatGPT and DeepSeek using the same dramaturgical criteria. The data obtained were first analyzed in terms of the similarities and differences between the outputs provided by two different AI tools; subsequently, the dramaturgical analyses conducted by humans and artificial intelligence (nonhuman) according to the same criteria were compared. The findings suggest that, although limited in scope, AI may be capable of functioning as a playwright and of performing more detailed dramaturgical analyses. While some shortcomings were identified in emotional and dramatic expression, the findings indicate that AI may serve as an effective dramaturg. Furthermore, the play written by artificial intelligence was indistinguishable from the human-written play, and the dramaturgical evaluations indicate that artificial intelligence may possess the capacity to succeed as a playwright. The study further suggests that human–AI collaboration could contribute to the development of higher-quality and more multidimensional productions in playwriting.

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Buran, M., Çokluk Bökeoğlu, Ömay, & Özdilek, Şebnem. (2026). How successful is artificial intelligence as a playwright and dramaturg?. Pedagogical Perspective, 5(2), 482-493. https://doi.org/10.29329/pedper.2026.204

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