1984  by Carol Kaufman Segal

George Orwell (June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950) was an English novelist, essayist, and journalist, best known for his novel 1984 that was written towards the end of his life, in 1949. The novel was made into a film three times, in 1945, 1956, and lastly in 1989.  Michael Gene Sullivan, an actor, writer, director, and teacher adapted the novel for the stage and it opened at The Actors’ Gang under the direction of Academy Award winning actor Tim Robbins, Artistic Director of the theatre.  It has been repeated there and is, once again, playing at the theatre in Culver City.

Winston Smith (Will Thomas McFadden) is a citizen of Oceana where everyone is under the rule, and the eyes, of the Party led by the ever-knowing leader known as Big Brother.  We find him in the middle of a sparse room where, obviously, he has been held for some time as he is being watched through screens surrounding the room and interrogated by four Party Members.   They include Party Member No. 1 (Tom Szymanski), Party Member No. 2 (Guebri VanOver), Party Member No. 3 (Bob Turton), and Party Member No. 4 (Ethan Corn).   

           

It appears that Winston has had difficulty living under the oppression of the Party and Big Brother, and has fallen in love with a girl named Julia (Guebri VanOver).  Time passes as the Party members continue their questioning of Winston who never gives in.  Finally, O’Brien appears in the room to take over the interrogation (Tim Robbins, who undoubtedly is Big Brother).  He begins to question Winston and when his answers don’t suit O’Brien, he tortures him.  Over time Winston finally breaks down and accepts his fate.  The power of Big Brother persists.

            

This play is quite a challenge, and under the judicious direction of Tim Robbins and performed by an able cast, it is something very unusual and thought provoking at the same time.  It will continue through December 7^th at the Actors’ Gang located at 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City.  For a schedule and/or for tickets, call (310) 838-4264, or go online at theactorsgang.com.