This year’s winter drama has been announced, and it’s unlike anything the Dramatics Club has staged before! The production will be 1984, based on George Orwell’s classic novel about a dystopian future ruled by surveillance, propaganda, and fear.
The story follows Winston Smith, a man who begins to question the government’s actions, who searches for truth in a world where independent thought is forbidden. Come to our production to see how Winston’s journey plays out, and to see all the dark places it will lead him to…
This year’s play is both powerful and relevant. Though the book may have been written in the late 1940s, 1984’s cores about truth, freedom, and technology were all way ahead of its time. These ideas present in the book feel more important now than ever. I believe that this play gives students a chance to explore these elements in a creative, thought provoking way.
One of our directors, Mr. Wright says, “This story has been relevant since it was written over 70 years ago. It has wrung true for people across the political spectrum. Orwell predicted a world oversaturated with screens, similar to today where everyone has a robot with them, whether it be a phone in your pocket or a laptop in your bag.”
This play’s dystopian society can be compared to societies in real life, such as East Berlin after World War II, Communist China and Russia, even America in certain situations, where the conflict is with top and bottom, rich and poor. Mr Wright says the Dramatics Club chose this play to “bring it to life [in a way] the school hadn’t experienced before, and to expand the stage crew specifically for cinematography and film studies.” This year’s production will feature several exciting innovations, including live heavy metal music, real-time video projections, and even drone technology to capture dramatic shots during key scenes! These modern elements are designed to immerse the audience in the world of 1984 and highlight the tension between Winston and society.
As a lead guitarist performing for the production, I believe the heavy music we will play reflects the fast-paced, stressful nature of the story, but also the rage Winston feels throughout his journey against the government. The setlist will include songs from bands such as Metallica, and Rage Against the Machine, whose music very much mirrors these emotions.
One of the drummers and actors for the play, Arjen Verboon says, “The music reflects the history and reality of the play, as well as daily life as we know it, through the raw power of the lyrics, and the fast and suspenseful drumming.”
Performances will run from November 20th to the 22nd. Don’t miss this daring, high-energy, doubleplusgood reimagining of one of literature’s most chilling stories! And remember, Big Brother is watching… always.