If there was ever a moment for a post-apocalyptic classic that may or may not reflect some of the current feelings in today’s day and age, Sock ‘n’ Buskin Theatre has got you covered. Performing at the Kailash Mital Theatre from Nov. 14-17, 1984 is sure to get you thinking and reflecting on the hard truths of a beloved classic.
Corey Newman, playing the lead role of Winston Smith, says that it’s hard not to draw parallels to current events with this specific story.
This script and the way that we’ve been doing it kind of speaks to what’s going on in the world right now in a way,” he says. “It’s been interesting to be playing this character right now, who I can relate to in some ways in terms of how he’s feeling in the society he’s living in.
1984, originally written by author George Orwell in 1949 raises the issues of omnipresent government surveillance with a world in a perpetual state of war in an uncertain near future. While the story is somewhat fictionalized, it plays on the real fears of a post-WWII world that Orwell was living in, and comments on some of the anxieties felt by a society unsure of its next move.
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Winston moves through a state of relative compliance with the government, although experiencing some hesitations, to ultimately follow his heart, despite the risks this poses towards the end of the story.
“Winston, right in the beginning, he’s loyal to the party — he definitely has some doubts, but there’s this sort of helplessness, like he can’t do anything about this,” says Newman. “But then he realizes that maybe there are other people who also think this way.”
Newman also says that this story is about support, and making sure you have a community of people who can uplift and validate you during times of difficulty.
“If you can find those other people to support you, and you find that group, it can really make all the difference.”
Along with Sock ‘n’ Buskin being the oldest student-run theatre company in the country, the cast for this performance is quite big, boasting over 30 crew members along with a cast of 10 performers.
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This isn’t Newman’s first season with the company, as he performed in two other shows last year. He says that returning to see old and new faces has been really exciting as they work towards their common interests and goals.
“Everybody’s been really amazing,” says Newman about working with a larger group of people. “Everybody is so passionate about what they do — the stagehands, the costume team, the hair and makeup, the board, the production — it’s really amazing to see everyone in their element in that way.”
Newman says that this show has something for everyone, despite the sometimes hopelessness of the overall themes.
There’s two ways you can take it,” he says. “I think there’s the sort of helplessness of, what can somebody really do to make great change. But I hope that what people realise is that there is a lot you can do — it’s fulfilling to be a part of this show in a way and just be able to spark conversation.
1984 is performing at the Kailash Mital Theatre from Nov. 14-17 at 7:30pm. For more information about Sock ‘n’ Buskin Theatre, visit their website. For tickets, you can purchase them online here. This production features flashing lights, loud and unpleasant noises, and mature themes which might not be suitable for all audiences. For a full list of content warnings, or general information about the show, you can visit the show’s page here.
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