Monday, June 26, 2017

1984

1984
Hudson Theatre
June 25, 2017

Photo courtesy of 1984
Powerful!  Alarming!  Brilliant!  The Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 can be described with those three words.  Powerful in its structure and use of technology to engage the senses, stimulate the intellect, and evoke emotion.  Alarming it its multiple levels of truth and relevance.  Brilliant in its scope of vision and precise interpretation. 

Sitting in the theatre waiting for the show to begin, there is sound, a presence, an electrical presence.  The huge speakers are visible, obviously working.  Does anyone notice the sound?  Can they be listening? 

Photo courtesy of 1984
The lights come up on Winston Smith (played by Tom Sturridge) writing in a journal for verification, so the future will know, so he will remember.  The year is 1984, or so he thinks.  He catches the eye of Julia (played by Olivia Wilde) who he concludes must be Thought Police.  They meet in secret.  He trusts her.  They decide to join the resistance against the party and the watchful eye of Big Brother.  Who to trust is never fully known, and the truth is always in question.

Photo courtesy of 1984
Tom Sturridge and Olivia Wilde have a strong connection and chemistry.  Ms. Wilde implements numerous tactics as her character assesses the trustworthiness of Winston Smith.  Through these actions, the extent of her character’s intelligence, cunning, and emotional depth is constructed right before our eyes.  Mr. Sturridge is relentless and unwavering in his character’s belief and understanding of truth.  Reed Birney plays O’Brien, the man these two characters meet in their quest.  Mr. Birney’s portrayal of O’Brien is commanding and cold.  The encounter and subsequent journey of these characters is gripping, surprising, and unnerving. 

Reed Birney, Olivia Wilde, & Tom Sturridge
Photo courtesy of 1984
One scene stands out in particular.  O’Brien is questioning Winston and Julie to test their loyalty.   Winston quickly answers yes to all questions to verify his level of sacrifice.  He will willingly agree to throw acid in the face of a child and give up his life for his belief in truth.  Is our hero a terrorist?  Suddenly Winston’s unwavering beliefs become questionable.  What is right?  Who is good?  From this point on, everything becomes uncertain.

When pressed, O’Brien explains to Winston that Big Brother is not a person who watches, but the paranoid belief implanted by the party to make you feel as if your own words, actions, and memories are questionable.  Big Brother is you.  The party can be destroyed by simply not participating in it.  On the train on the way home from the theatre I saw the poster, “If you see something, say something.”  This campaign ensures our safety.  We see it every day.  We believe in it.    

Photo courtesy of 1984
Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan have taken George Orwell’s futuristic dystopian warning even more forward in time in order for it to hit a direct bullseye in the present.  This production makes us question.  George Orwell would be proud.  I want to see it again!

Domenick Danza

1984 is playing at the newly renovated Hudson Theatre in 44th Street.  The renovation is refreshing, spacious and open.  Be sure to check it out!  


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