In the age of Trump and ‘alternative facts’, the dystopian nightmare depicted in George Orwell’s classic tale 1984 appears to be edging closer ever closer into our reality. It’s not surprising then that thousands of the world’s concerned and confounded have sought out Orwell’s seminal work in an attempt to make sense of it all.
In keeping with this trend for all things Orwellian, the Australian tour of the smash hit West End production of 1984 is set to hit the stage in May, running through August. Helmed by esteemed theatre directors Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan, the Australian show will showcase some of the best up-and-coming creative talent in the country. Starring relative newcomer Tom Conroy in the lead role of Winston Smith, as well as a host of fresh faces, this Aussie take on 1984 will look to breathe some new life into Orwell’s material.
Touring all the major capital cities, the Australian production is set to slug audiences right in the guts with its downright dirty depiction of a society in ruin. It comes at just the right time, as we, too, find ourselves fighting for our dignity.
For all our sakes, let’s hope Orwell’s vision remains a work of fiction and doesn’t become a fixture of our reality. Chris Prindiville
’1984′ CITIES, VENUES & DATES:
ADELAIDE
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: 13 – 27 May 2017
Tickets: statetheatrecompany.com.au or 131 246
MELBOURNE
Venue: The Comedy Theatre, Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season: 2 June – 10 June 2017
Previews: 31 May & 1 June
Tickets: 1984play.com.au
BRISBANE
Venue: Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Season: 14 June – 18 June 2017
Tickets: qpac.com.au or 136 246
SYDNEY
Venue: Sydney Theatre Company, Roslyn Packer Theatre – 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Season: 28 June – 22 July 2017
Tickets from Box Office (02) 9250 1777 or sydneytheatre.com.au
CANBERRA
Venue: Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre
Season: 25 – 29 July, 2017
Tickets: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or Box Office on (02) 6275 2700
PERTH
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre
Season: 4 August – 13 August 2017
Tickets: ticketek.com.au