1984

In today’s world of fake news and metadata retention schemes, the theatrical adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian classic 1984 is more chilling than ever. This re-imagining by adaptor-directors Robert Icke and Duncan MacMillan, performed by an all-Australian cast from the Ambassador Theatre Group, produces 100 minutes of unease and tension. ‘It’s a mirror, every age sees itself reflected’, says one character. And it’s not hard to see some similarities between this dark play and current society.

Winston Smith (Tom Controy) is a young man disillusioned with ‘The Party’, the Government of Oceania. The Party doesn’t want people to have their own thoughts, only to believe what they’re told. Via telescreens in every room, The Party constantly watches everyone and tells them when to eat, when to exercise, when to do absolutely everything.

Winston begins to question the integrity of The Party. Before long, he discovers other people with similar beliefs, including Julia (Ursula Mills) whom he falls in love with. They join ‘The Brotherhood’, a rebel group aiming to bring down The Party. But who can Winston really trust? Is it inevitable that his deceit will be found out and he’ll therefore be punished?

The scenes jump around disconcertingly, between years, sets and conversations. Effects such as blinding lights, uncomfortably loud discordant blasts and sudden blackouts all create a harrowing feeling of anxiety; however, the discomfort is darkly enjoyable. You never quite know what to expect and are therefore on edge the entire time. There’s no interval in between acts and the shifting audience itself becomes part of the agitated atmosphere.

Controy delivers a superb and powerful performance as Winston. His decline in sanity is utterly gripping. And Mills portrays the determined Julia with great conviction. The supporting cast is also strong; however, the questionable English accents from some cast-members is jarring at times. It is also a male-dominated production, with only two women and one female child in the nine-member cast.

1984 is an uncomfortable and yet riveting play, still disturbingly relevant nearly 70 years after Orwell’s novel was written. Solid performances, an engrossing screenplay and unsettling effects create a captivating production that is highly entertaining despite, or perhaps because of, its discomfort and turmoil.

1984
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Till Saturday, 10 June 2017
1984play.com.au