WOULD YOU TAKE A LIE DETECTOR TEST WITH A STRANGER?
A working polygraph test for a room full of strangers to explore truth in a post-truth world. Our multi-award winning theatrical social experiment has been touring since 2019…
Current SEASONS
Perth // 19 Jan - 4 Feb, 2024
State of Play @ STCWA
More Info
Using real biometric sensors and live voting systems, TRUTHMACHINE seeks out truth in a world of fake news and alternative facts. The polygraph machine used to be regarded as a legal instrument, but today we think we can cheat. Let’s see if your heart rate can lie as effectively as our leaders can.
Paige Poulier in TRUTHMACHINE, photo by Kate O’Sullivan
Reviews
"It's a beguiling game to play in an age of alternative facts and fake news, and another demonstration of Counterpilot’s ingenuity.
No one else is making work quite like this."
- The Age
"A truly atmospheric experience"
- This is Radelaide
"The technology is state of the art"
- Broadway World
"a fascinating, enthralling experience"
- The Creative Issue
"will leave you thinking long after it finishes”
- The Courier Mail
Production Photos
Credits
Written & Directed by Nathan Sibthorpe
Sound Design by Mike Willmett
Software Design by Clinton Freeman
Technical Design by John Felmingham & Christine Felmingham
Production Design by Sarah Winter
Originally Performed by Paige Poulier
Also Performed by Anna McGahan, Nicky Fearn, Emily Carr, Brie Jurss
Voices by Lucas Stibbard, Kylie Stephenson,
Kate O'Sullivan & Paul Davies
Additional Collaborators: Toby Martin, Sean Dowling
Imagery by Sean Dowling & Kate O'Sullivan
Original Photo Model: Xanthe Jones
Produced by Metro Arts
Special thanks to
Matt Seery, Jo Thomas, Shani Gould,
Verity Woodford & Danielle Carney
Seasons
Adelaide, SA
19 FEB - 3 MAR, 2019
Adelaide Fringe
Caloundra, QLD
26 & 27 AUG, 2019
Horizon Festival
Brisbane, QLD
10 - 21 SEP, 2019
Brisbane Festival
Melbourne, VIC
22 - 29 SEP, 2019
Melbourne Fringe
Sydney, NSW
11 - 24 JAN, 2020
Sydney Festival
Darwin, NT
12-15 AUG, 2021
Darwin Festival
Hunter Valley, NSW
2-31 MAY, 2022
The Outside
Cairns, QLD
1-4 SEP, 2022
Cairns Festival
Sydney, NSW
17-18 SEP, 2022
Festival of Dangerous Ideas
Brisbane, QLD
24-25 MAR, 2023
World Science Festival
Perth, WA
19 JAN - 4 FEB, 2024
State of Play, Fringe World
Awards
Best Film, Digital & Interactive Work
Adelaide Fringe Award 2019
Hong Kong Tour Ready Award
Let's Be Together Arts Festival 2019
Melbourne Tour Ready Award
Melbourne Fringe 2019
Adelaide Fringe Innovation Grant
Adelaide Fringe Artists Fund 2019
Snapshot For Presenters
TRUTHMACHINE is available to tour nationally and internationally.
Best suited for festivals, 30min duration for intimate audiences of 12 at a time.
Light touring team, all tech included, can fit into a range of unconventional spaces.
For more information, or to obtain a presenter pack,
please contact Nathan Sibthorpe.
Originally co-presented with RCC Fringe. Truthmachine is supported by the Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund
via the Adelaide Fringe Innovation Grant, and through the Queensland Government
through Arts Queensland.