Eliza at Southbank Theatre: The True Story Behind the First Chatbot
The chatbot on your phone has a surprisingly human origin story, and Melbourne Theatre Company has put it on stage.
Most of us now talk to a computer without a second thought, whether it’s a bank’s help window or an AI assistant that drafts a letter on request. Melbourne Theatre Company’s new play, Eliza, goes back to 1966 and the MIT scientist who built the first program of its kind, then watched what people did with it. Our team member Kaye H saw the world premiere at The Sumner, Southbank Theatre, and shares her review below, along with the practical details you need to plan your visit.
What is Eliza about?
Eliza is a new Australian psychological thriller by playwright Tom Holloway, based on true events. It dramatises the story of Dr Joseph Weizenbaum, who created what Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) describes as the world’s first psychotherapy chatbot.
Weizenbaum is a brilliant computer scientist haunted by his childhood escape from Nazi Germany. When he begins speaking intimately with ELIZA, a program designed to simulate therapeutic conversation, and interest in his breakthrough grows, he starts to question what his invention might cost.
MTC’s CEO and Artistic Director, Anne-Louise Sarks, describes the play as “a story about our humanity, about what happens when something we create starts to re-shape the way we see ourselves”. Holloway says we need to “give ourselves a moment to look back and learn”, otherwise we have little chance of dealing with the present.
The play was developed through MTC’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program.
Kaye’s review: ELIZA the Play, ChatGTP from the beginning
It’s fascinating to realise that today’s international conversations about the ethics and the guidelines surrounding artificial intelligence began 1966 with Professor Joseph Weizenbaum a German – American scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Tom Holloway’s new play, ELIZA, brings this remarkable story to life.
The play explores how, Weizenbaum created ELIZA — one of the first computer programs designed to simulate human conversation which bore a striking resemblance to one that may happen between a psychologist and their patient.
I was completely captivated by Dan Spielman’s performance. He brings Professor Weizenbaum to life with an intensity and vulnerability.
I thought Manali Datar, as Professor Weizenbaum’s secretary Becky, had warmth and lightness in her engaging performance.
Director Paige Rattray delivers a drama that is at times funny, but always compelling, 100 minutes (no interval) that does not require a technical knowledge focusing more the human need to be heard, understood and comforted.
The play left me with more questions than answers, it is deeply thought-provoking, challenging us to consider AI’s impact on our lives today and for generations to come.
Interestingly, Professor Weizenbaum became increasingly troubled by what his program was becoming, driven in part by the demands of his colleagues.
In later years, he became a powerful warning voice on the risks and implications of AI.
The Melbourne Theatre Company production ELIZA runs from 28 September – 31 October 2026 at The Sumner Southbank Theatre.
Who’s in the cast and creative team?
Dan Spielman (The Code), Manali Datar (The Wrong Gods) and Hamish Michael (The Twelve) star in the production.
Paige Rattray directs. The creative team includes Dale Ferguson (Set Designer), Matilda Woodroofe (Costume Designer), Paul Jackson (Lighting Designer), Kelly Ryall (Composer and Sound Designer), Rhian Hinkley (AV Designer), Amy Hume (Voice and Dialect Coach), Ishan Vivekanantham (Associate Set Designer) and Tait de Lorenzo (Assistant Director).
MTC has also published an online digital programme for the show, where Tom Holloway talks about how he first came across the ELIZA program. You can read the Eliza digital programme on the MTC website before or after you go.
Eliza at a glance
- Where: The Sumner, Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
- When: 28 September to 31 October 2026
- Running time: About 100 minutes with no interval
- Tickets: From $80. Check mtc.com.au for current prices, session times and concession options.
A no-interval show means you’ll want to settle in before curtain up. Allow time for the cloakroom, the bar and the toilets beforehand.
Accessibility at Southbank Theatre
- Wheelchair and mobility access: via the front entrance on Southbank Boulevard. Lifts run to all levels. Seats with extra room for mobility aids are available for all performances, subject to availability. When booking online, look for the seats marked with the ‘Wheelchair’ and ‘Level Access / Limited Steps’ icons. You can describe your access needs at the time of booking.
- Foyers and bars: the foyers have tables and chairs at wheelchair height, and there is a low bar service area.
- Extra-wide reinforced seating: available at Southbank Theatre. Book online (look for the ‘Wheelchair’ icon) or through the Box Office.
- Hearing assistance: a free Listen Pack is available for all productions. Ask theatre staff when you arrive. Headsets are loaned from the cloakroom next to the Box Office and come in a sealed packet.
- Access performances: MTC offers audio described, Auslan interpreted, captioned and relaxed performances on selected dates. I couldn’t confirm which dates apply to Eliza, so check the MTC access page before booking.
- Companion Card: MTC offers Companion Card holders a free ticket for their companion.
- Assistance animals: guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome, and water bowls can be provided on request.
- Taxis: can be flagged outside the venue or booked by theatre staff on request.
- Accessible parking: there are designated kerbside spaces on Dodds Street, between Southbank Boulevard and Grant Street.
All of MTC’s access services can be booked online, by phone or in person at the Southbank Theatre Box Office, and the team can talk you through seating before you commit. There is also a virtual tour of Southbank Theatre if you’d like to see the foyers and the Sumner before you go.
Getting to Southbank Theatre
Public transport: Trams 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 run along St Kilda Road. Hop off at the Arts Centre stop and walk to the theatre. Route 1 goes down Southbank Boulevard and stops on Sturt Street, just outside Melbourne Recital Centre, which is next door. Flinders Street Station is within easy distance of the theatre.
Driving: On-street parking around Southbank is limited, and many spots carry three-hour limits. That can be tight for an evening show, so it’s worth checking nearby car parks before you leave home.
Drop-off: Dodds Street runs beside the theatre and can be entered via Grant Street. Check with the MTC Box Office for the best drop-off point for your needs.
Melbourne Theatre Company Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank VIC 3006 For Box Office enquiries, please contact MTC on 03 8688 0800 .
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
