Embark on an emotional journey with AI May, , a compelling theatrical creation by Meanjin (Brisbane) playwright Amy Chien-Yu Wang.

This poignant exploration delves into themes of love, belongingness, cultural identity, the meaning of life, and grief, unfolding through the eyes of an Asian migrant mother who experiences the sudden and tragic loss of her only daughter, May.

As Mother grapples with grief and shattered dreams for May's once-promising future, the narrative takes a fascinating turn when May's Anglo-Australian lover, Jeremy, a brilliant robotics engineer, offers a grieving bot as a surrogate for May. In a tale of cultural complexities, Mother confronts her own prejudices against Jeremy while he navigates the challenges of connecting with his deceased lover's grieving and hostile mother.

AI May raises compelling questions: How will Mother navigate her cultural dilemma, mend the wounds between mother and daughter, and find solace through an artificially intelligent robot? Will Jeremy learn to let go, and what role will love play in this intricate web of emotions and relationships?

Notably, the 10-minute version of AI May garnered recognition at the 2021 Wheaton 10-Minute Play Festival, captivating an American audience through a pre-recorded short film. Our play has also resonated with diverse audiences in Brisbane, where both English and Mandarin versions were showcased at Sunnybank Hall in Dec 2022.

The inspiration for AI May stems from Amy Chien-Yu Wang's personal journey through post-natal depression, intergenerational trauma, and the profound grief of losing a dear friend prematurely. Amy, a former SBS journalist passionate about mental health, witnessed the stigma surrounding mental health discussions hindering individuals from overcoming life challenges.

Driven by resilience and a desire to facilitate transformative conversations, Amy self-funded and crowdfunded AI May.

.The production includes a 10-minute performance involving mental health professionals in a panel discussion, as well as a 90-minute work-in-progress performance that resonated with multicultural and migrant audiences often underrepresented in Australian theatre.

Amy's dedication led to the establishment of Embodi Theatre, with AI May serving as a catalyst for healing conversations. We invite like-minded partners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers to join us in elevating AI May in 2024. By supporting us, you contribute to fostering healing discussions, particularly through mental health seminars.