Adapted and directed
by Robert Icke and Duncan MacMillan from the novel by George Orwell
GWB Entertainment,
Ambassador Theatre Group Asia Pacific & State Theatre Company South
Australia in Association with QPAC, Sydney Theatre Company, Canberra Theatre
Centre & Perth Theatre Trust present the Nottingham Playhouse & Almeida
Theatre Production
Canberra Theatre
until 29 July
Reviewed by Len Power
25 July 2017
Even if you’ve never read George Orwell’s 1949 novel,
‘1984’, you know what it’s about and you’d certainly know the expression, ‘Big
Brother is Watching You’. Orwell didn’t
live to see the current concerns we have with privacy, social media, false news
and present day terrorism but he wouldn’t have been surprised.
The problem with dramatizing the book is that it’s set in a
deliberately bleak and dreary world. The
movie of it made in the year 1984 with Richard Burton and John Hurt was well
done but it was a struggle to sit through.
At the time, U.S. reviewer Vincent Canby said the film was
"admirable, bleakly beautiful", though "not an easy film to
watch."
This new adaptation by Robert Icke and Duncan MacMillan
takes advantage of the multimedia now available to produce a stunning
production that will hold your attention for the whole 100 minute playing time. Like the best roller coaster, it’s not a
comfortable ride but it’s a memorable one.
The setting designed by Chloe Lamford is deceptively simple
and conventional at the start of the show but watching the way that set changes
as the play progresses is amazing. Video,
designed by Tim Reid, is used in long sequences to show scenes happening in
another area offstage. Is it
pre-recorded or happening live? It’s up
to you to decide.
Lighting design by Natasha Chivers and sound design by Tom
Gibbons are especially important to the atmosphere in this production. Both elements are superb and the sound
effects are extraordinary and VERY LOUD!!
I wonder if the Noise Police are watching you, Tom…
Performances by the ensemble cast are excellent. In the most prominent roles, Tom Conroy gives
a very human and appealing performance as the central character, Winston. Ursula Mills is confident, almost aggressive and
very real as his forbidden lover, Julia, and Terence Crawford is chilling as
the interrogator, O’Brien.
This is a highly satisfying, imaginative production with
exciting use of multimedia and great performances. It’s a show you’ll remember for a long time.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘Artcetera’ program (9.00am Saturdays)
and on other selected Artsound programs.
