From Russian Conscription Chaos to Immersive Theatre: One Woman’s Fight Against Disinformation
In September 2022, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raged, a wave of panic swept through the country following the announcement of conscription. Rumors of unprepared 18-year-olds being sent directly to the frontlines spread like wildfire through media and social media, exacerbating existing anxieties and driving up ticket prices for those desperate to flee. This firsthand experience with the real-world impact of misinformation profoundly affected Liana Patarkatsishvili, igniting within her a sense of urgency to combat the spread of fake news. She recognized that governments and tech platforms alone couldn’t stem the tide; individual vigilance and critical thinking were paramount. This realization became the driving force behind her artistic endeavors.
Patarkatsishvili channeled her concern into action, founding Sage & Jester, an arts production company dedicated to exploring the intricate mechanisms of manipulation and the potent role narrative plays in shaping our perceptions of reality. The company’s mission is to move critical thinking beyond abstract concepts and make it a visceral experience, embedding it within compelling stories, humor, and immersive environments that challenge audiences to question the very nature of truth and trust. By engaging with these narratives, audiences are encouraged to confront their own biases and assumptions, developing the tools necessary to navigate the complex information landscape.
The culmination of this journey is Sage & Jester’s latest production, STOREHOUSE. Set within a sprawling fictional world where every piece of information generated since the dawn of the internet has been meticulously archived, STOREHOUSE plunges audiences into a dynamic struggle between those safeguarding truth and those crafting deceptive narratives. The production draws heavily on Patarkatsishvili’s own experiences, posing crucial questions about what captivates our attention, why certain narratives resonate more deeply, and who ultimately controls the definition of truth and benefits from its manipulation.
STOREHOUSE is not merely a theatrical spectacle; it’s a collaborative endeavor fueled by a team of artists, designers, and storytellers who share Patarkatsishvili’s passion for fostering critical thinking. The production avoids didactic lectures, opting instead to immerse audiences in the very mechanics of disinformation. By experiencing the seductive power of fabricated narratives firsthand, participants gain a deeper understanding of the forces at play and are empowered to confront their own vulnerabilities to manipulation. This experiential approach allows audiences to develop a more intuitive grasp of the dangers of disinformation and its pervasive influence on society.
Patarkatsishvili’s journey, from witnessing the chaos of Russian conscription to creating STOREHOUSE, has been a testament to the importance of truth and transparency. The lessons she learned about the fragility of truth in the face of unchecked power, and the resilience of those who fight for transparency, inform every aspect of her work. She sees STOREHOUSE as a catalyst for reflection, prompting audiences to examine what they believe, who they trust, and what information they choose to share. This introspective journey ultimately empowers individuals to take ownership of their role in the information ecosystem.
Patarkatsishvili’s ultimate hope for future generations is a world where truth is not a casualty of power but a bedrock of progress. Even amidst the darkest manifestations of misinformation, she firmly believes in the individual’s power to expose falsehoods and consistently choose the path of honesty. STOREHOUSE stands as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in safeguarding truth and shaping a future informed by accuracy and integrity. By engaging with the production, audiences are not just entertained but also equipped with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex information landscape and contribute to a more informed and resilient society.