1984 is an eye-opening play set in a dystopian world, where the government controls the mind of its citizens. The play follows Winston Smith, comrade 6079, portrayed by Tom Conroy on his journey of self-discovery and rebellion within the world of Oceania. Throughout the play, Winston expresses his rebellion through thinking and confessing his love for Julia (Ursula Mills) in his beloved and sacred journal. After being manipulated by the totalitarian government (Big Brother), Winston and Julia face their biggest fears and put their love through the ultimate test of fear and betrayal. Directors Robert Icke, Duncan Macmillan and his cast have produced an inspiring performance that leaves the audience in awe and questioning their stance on societal …show more content…
Winston and Julia are not allowed to date, due to the dystopian world they live in, and the audience could have been in a similar situation, where their friends or family don’t approve or allow them to date someone they love. 1984 realistically creates two characters who have an overwhelming amount of love for one another, and force them into a situation where they are willing to break laws to be with each other. Tom and Ursula’s acting is excellent, successfully making the audience believe they are a troubled young couple. This message is portrayed through connections with the audience, via the use of realistic and relative relationships, props, costumes, and lighting. Natasha Chivers and Tom Gibbons’ lighting and sound effects create an ear shattering aesthetic accompanied by the pulsating flashes and bangs that contribute to the masterpiece that is 1984. The extremely intense crashing sounds and strobe lighting, designed by Chivers and Gibbons, were a constant commodity that is used in every scene that ultimately aided in connecting the plot to the audience, who were immersed completely from beginning to