Reflections From the Cast of The Third Voice: Joanna Semmelrogge on MoralPLai

The Third Voice, the artistic outcome of the MoralPLai Project, was presented on May 22, 2025, at the Amerikahaus in Munich. Mirjam Novak, Eva Riekenbrauck, Swaraj Oturkar, Stephanie Schulte, Ravi Rege and Joanna Semmelrogge were the six actors who brought the play vividly to life under the theatrical direction of Professor Kresny, with assistance from stage manager Emma Hoffmann.

As the MoralPLai team continues to explore the impact of The Third Voice, we invited the cast to share their experience through a short set of questions, touching on everything from the motivation that brought them into the project, to their evolving thoughts on AI, and the moments from the script that left a lasting impression.

Joanna Semmelrogge took on a dual role as both an Activist and a Company Representative in The Third Voice. Here is an inside look at her journey through the role, along with her reflections on the overall MoralPLai experience.

Enjoy the read!

1. What inspired you to join the MoralPlai project?

What inspired me to join the MoralPLai project was the combination of gaining knowledge and creating enjoyment, for both the audience and myself. I was also motivated by the opportunity to gain a new and unique experience.

2. How comfortable would you feel taking guidance from an AI chatbot on a personal issue?

I think I would miss the social component. When dealing with personal issues, human interaction plays an important role that a chatbot can’t fully replace.

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3. Has this play influenced your perception of the role of AI in our daily lives, either positively or negatively? If so, in what ways?

Yes, the play has definitely influenced my perception of AI. There were many aspects I hadn’t been consciously aware of when using AI. Some processes happened automatically or subconsciously. One key realization was that the transition from using AI simply to gather information to relying on it for moral guidance is very gradual. I didn’t always notice when that shift was happening. The play made me more aware of this and sensitized me to the ethical dimensions of interacting with AI.

4. If you had to choose just one sentence from the script to keep, which one would it be, and why does it stand out to you?

“We create more questions”, and it’s a cycle. Also, the answers are based on other things. This sentence stands out to me because it captures the complexity of seeking answers, especially from AI. Every answer can lead to new questions, and those answers themselves are based on other assumptions or inputs. It reminds us that knowledge is never final nor absolute.

5. What final thought would you like people to take away from this experience?

I hope people take away a sense of reflection about how we interact with AI, and what it means for our values, decisions and relationships. It’s not about rejecting AI, but about using it with awareness and responsibility.

Interested to learn more? Visit the MoralPLai Project webpage and stay tuned for updates.