Maltese audiences will soon witness a thought-provoking theatrical experience that delves into the complex relationship between media, truth, and public perception. 'Press Mute', a new play set to premiere next month, promises to offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of journalism and the challenges it faces in an era of rapid technological change and misinformation.
The play, inspired by the concept of 'live journalism', takes audiences on a journey through the real-life processes behind news stories, exploring the media's intricate relationship with artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, and podcasters. It features a stellar cast, including renowned actors such as Michela Farrugia, Davide Tucci, and Philip Leone Ganado, as well as prominent journalist Mark Laurence Zammit and media personality Trudy Kerr.
Commissioned by the arts production company Udjenza and penned by the esteemed editor-in-chief of Times of Malta, Herman Grech, 'Press Mute' is set to be staged at Spazju Kreattiv. Set primarily in a struggling newsroom, the play draws from the daily experiences of journalists worldwide, encouraging audiences to reconsider their perspectives on news stories and actively engage in their creation.
The play is designed to be an immersive experience, blending live action, multimedia, and audience interaction to pose a critical question: when outrage becomes entertainment, who controls the narrative? This urgent satire highlights the dangers of misinformation and the fatigue that comes with consuming media, leaving no one immune, not even the truth.
Grech's motivation behind 'Press Mute' is twofold. Firstly, he aims to expose the pitfalls of clickbait and the influence of AI through satire and dark humor. Secondly, he wants to shed light on the unfair leverage that Big Tech wields, its manipulation of truth, and its impact on viewers' ability to discern truth from falsehood in an increasingly chaotic media landscape.
The play's relevance is underscored by the global media instability that has seen AI content, YouTube channels, influencers, and podcasters gain prominence. In the US, Donald Trump's return to office was bolstered by support from online personalities, with Fortune magazine reporting that over 7,400 influencers applied for press credentials after his administration invited 'new media voices' to participate in White House reporting.
Closer to home, podcasters and social media personalities are increasingly influential in the daily news cycle. However, trust in mainstream media continues to erode globally, with right-wing and populist political parties exploiting shifting attitudes and distrust.
Despite the play's controversial themes, it has already sparked debate. Valletta Cultural Agency chairman Jason Micallef alleged that Times of Malta received €30,000 in state funding to stage a production on corruption in a government building. However, Attard clarified that Udjenza, not Times of Malta, received the funds, and the play's theme aligns with the company's commitment to addressing modern issues.
'Press Mute' is set to open on February 20th and will run until March 1st, with six performances. For more information, visit spazjukreattiv.org/series/press-mute/.
