Performance: Mining Hate by Kaivalya Plays

Kaivalya Plays presents MINING HATE in collaboration with the fringe ensemble. 

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE

“Mining Hate” is an improvised interactive performance built with audience-generated content that seeks to create awareness of the practices used by anonymous hackers to target journalists and minorities in India to spread disinformation. Interactive scenes demonstrate how anonymous hackers build, target, and persuade their intended victims whilst real-life stories of journalists are presented verbatim portion by the performers. The performance also demonstrates Generative AI, OSINT, and other manipulative technologies used to drive fake narratives in mainstream media.

Venue: Hansa Haus, Bad Godesberg

"Mining Hate" was developed and supported under the third open call by MediaFutures, an EU-funded transnational European data innovation hub that brings together startups, SMEs and artists in the media value chain to expand on standard models and comes up with unconventional ways for people to engage with quality journalism, science education and democratic processes. Mining Hate's performance in Germany is supported by CAPAS2024 and with the Goethe Insitut New Delhi. 

Data Requirements: For the performance, the artists would like access to the audience’s names and email addresses. This information is used in the show to demonstrate to the audiences how their data can be used and manipulated on the internet to create false narratives. The data the audience shares is used only for the performance and then deleted once the show ends. The artists do not keep a copy afterward. Access the form by clicking the link or scanning the QR code.

ABOUT KAIVALYA PLAYS

Kaivalya Plays, a pioneering performing arts company based in New Delhi, is spearheaded by Artistic Director Varoon P. Anand and General Manager Gaurav Singh Nijjer. Since 2018, they’ve championed applied improvisation to create original works addressing mental health, performer safety, and technological advancements in the arts. Noteworthy projects include “Unravel,” advocating theater games for mental wellness, and ongoing workshops like HEADSPACE. Their Safety Research Study, funded by the India Foundation for the Arts, reflects their commitment to enhancing safety standards in the arts community. Additionally, they’ve developed web platforms fostering transparency in funding (India Arts Funding Forum) and democratizing arts education (India Arts Education Forum). Anand, a seasoned journalist and playwright, has garnered recognition for adaptations of classical Spanish plays and original works on social issues. Nijjer, a versatile theater-maker and technologist, explores innovative audience engagement methods through interactive performances. Together, they drive Kaivalya Plays to push artistic boundaries, promote community engagement, and advocate for performer well-being.

Creative Team for "Mining Hate"

• Direction and Performance by Varoon P. Anand
• Design and Technical Production by Gaurav Singh Nijjer
• Creative Technology Development by Denny George and Hasan Shahrukh
• Object and Prop Development by Riddhijit Chattopadhyay
• Devising and Development supported by Denny George, Hasan Shahrukh and Alia Sinha under the Propoganda Narratives Residency 2023
• Supported by the MediaFutures "Artists for Media" Grant 2022 and CAPAS 2024 Festival.