1984 - review

[Jane Zussman]

In 2017, stalwart GLUT Guest Reviewer Tom Klunzinger wrote the review for 1984 at Williamston Theatre. Contemplating tonight’s assignment for LCC’s version, I wish he were here to review this one. Even when well done, 1984 is grim, hopeless and depressing… and a little scary. Can’t happen here… or can it…?

As Tom wrote, "The book you may have (had to) read in school had a somewhat conventional narrative as stuff happens to protagonist Winston Smith who struggles to maintain a semblance of individuality and romance in a society dominated by the all-seeing Big Brother (who may or may not exist) and his Thought Police rooting out thoughtcrimes."

Director Paige Tufford’s note explains that this classic dystopian novel by George Orwell is one of the most banned books of all time due to its political pro-communist and anti-authoritarian themes. It was published in 1949, in the  aftermath of World War II. 

Williamston’s version was adapted by Michael Gene Sullivan, and LCC’s was adapted by Nick Hern. Director Paige chose Hern’s version because of its “focus on the unrelenting struggle to survive raging inside of Winston and his unapologetic love for Julia.“ (I believe Williamston’s version had fewer characters; always a plus for profe$$ional theatre.)

This version sets up a sort of group-therapy “reenactment” of Winston’s “thoughtcrimes” with reinactors Samuel Barrix and Beck Murphy capturing our sympathies in their spirited, forbidden romance. Jason Durr as the real Winston did a good job making us feel bad as he bravely, stubbornly suffered through O’Brian's (Ramon Torres) tortures — especially those electric shocks which zapped our ears as he writhed.

The set and costumes are bleak and gray, with the floor strewn with papers — maybe pages from banned books. Ominous projections and sounds (set design: Bob Fernholz and Paige Tufford; sound design Steve Vangel; lights (and projections?) Michael Beyer) and original music by Mika Spoelma added appropriate melodic oppression. 

1984 continues through April 18 - 7pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun - Dart Auditorium. As you may remember, LCC shows are now FREE of charge. You do have to pick up a voucher at the box office to assure there’s a seat for everyone — general seating. At the large Dart Auditorium, this is not as much of an issue as it can be at the smaller LCC Black Box stage. (Also students  use the vouchers to enter a drawing for LCC swag prizes.)

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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