The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is being likened to the Industrial Revolution, a comparison that resonates deeply in today’s tech-driven society. This connection is the central theme of the new opera “The Last Machine Breaker” by composer Ben Crick, which explores the societal impacts of technological advancements across two distinct timelines: 1813 and 2030. By juxtaposing these eras, Crick invites us to reflect on how history can inform our understanding of modern challenges.