Written by Nick Hern, Adapted from George Orwell
Directed by Sofia Barysevich
Review by Eve Nugent
Summerhall - Old Lab: Tickets
'War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength'.
One of the most remarkable quotes from Orwell's seminal classic 1984 is ominously projected onto the stage's backdrop as the audience arrives; a tone of discomfort is immediately achieved.
Written and performed by the Slavic company Withintheatre, this thrilling production not only encapsulates Orwell's warning against totalitarianism but also brings it into the present. The cast, living in Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, incorporate details of deplorable present-day events into the performance, serving as a constant, disturbing reminder of 1984's everlasting pertinence to our society.
The intricate narrative follows Winston Smith's harrowing interrogation, skilfully interpreted by Faiaz Valuillin, whose embodied torment evokes great empathy and despair. Fellow prisoners, played by Anastasia Aush, Kolya Mulakov and Igor Laskiy, re-enact Smith's numerous 'thought crimes', resulting in his brutal torture. O'Brian is hauntingly composed and cold, and it is performed by Ivan Ivashskin, who manages to smoothly handle late audience members with an awkward yet comedic direct address. A projected blinking eye on the stage's backdrop perpetually demonstrates the theme of unwanted surveillance.
This incredibly moving and enlightening production highlights the genius of Orwell's work by emphasising its scary connection to reality; the cast's personal intentions are lucidly clear in their impassioned and emotive performances.
Review by Even Nugent (contact@corrblimey.uk)
An undergraduate French student at the University of Edinburgh, Eve has a diverse interest in theatre and performance. Eve's theatrical focus has recently broadened into writing and directing, for instance with her modern Othello adaptation for the University's Shakespeare Company. Her creative attention stretches also to classical music, as she plays the flute, piano and guitar with equal fervour. She thus looks forward to watching whatever the Fringe has to offer, irrespective of genre!
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