In the world of contemporary dance, Jess and Morgs are pushing boundaries with their latest work, Deepfake, which confronts the politics of deepfakes and the nature of truth itself. The award-winning duo, Jessica Wright and Morgann Runacre-Temple, have a history of blending ambitious technology with modern storytelling, and their new piece is no exception.
The Intersection of Technology and Truth
Deepfake is set in a green-screen studio, where a fictional politician is caught in a compromising situation. The scene is a fabrication, but it feels eerily plausible. This blurring of lines between reality and fiction is at the heart of the piece. "We’ve always been drawn to where there’s a crossover between the theme and the form," says Runacre-Temple. "What gets us excited is seeing the contemporary world reflected back."
The duo's previous work, Coppélia, reimagined a 19th-century ballet as a cautionary tale about AI and tech egos. It was a massive hit, and they followed it up with a debut at the Paris Opera Ballet. Now, with Deepfake, they continue to explore the impact of technology on society.
Why Deepfakes Matter in Politics
Deepfakes—synthetic media where a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness—have become a powerful tool for misinformation. In politics, they can manipulate public opinion, damage reputations, and even influence elections. Jess and Morgs use dance to highlight these dangers, forcing audiences to question what they see and hear.
| Aspect | Traditional Media | Deepfake Media |
|---|---|---|
| Creation | Professional journalists | AI algorithms |
| Verification | Editorial checks | Often unverified |
| Impact | Generally trusted | Erodes trust |
Key Takeaways from Deepfake
- Truth is fragile: Deepfakes challenge our ability to discern reality.
- Technology is a double-edged sword: It can create art but also deceive.
- Dance as commentary: Jess and Morgs use movement to explore complex issues.
- Audience engagement: The piece invites viewers to question their own perceptions.
The duo's work is not just about warning against deepfakes; it's also about the potential for technology to enhance creativity. By incorporating live camera work and film, they create a multisensory experience that challenges traditional dance boundaries.

FAQ
What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is a synthetic media in which a person's likeness is replaced with someone else's using artificial intelligence. It can be used to create realistic but fake videos or audio recordings.
Who are Jess and Morgs?
Jess and Morgs are Jessica Wright and Morgann Runacre-Temple, an award-winning dance duo known for integrating technology into their performances. They have created works for Scottish Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet.
Why is Deepfake important?
Deepfake highlights the political and social implications of deepfake technology, urging audiences to critically engage with media and question the nature of truth.
As deepfakes become more sophisticated, the line between fact and fiction will continue to blur. Jess and Morgs' Deepfake serves as a timely reminder of the power of art to provoke thought and inspire dialogue about the world we live in.