Visions of Dystopia: Photos From a Production of “1984”

In February, the Department of Theater staged a production of 1984 adapted for the stage and directed by Professor of Theater and Avalon Professor of the Humanities Peter Hackett ’75. The production was based on George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel and the radio play by Milton Wayne. See photos from a dress rehearsal.

All photos by Eli Burakian ’00.

Photos
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backstage at a production of 1984
Adam Riegler ’20, center, with Holden Harris ’20, left, Claire Feuille ’18, and Anindu Rentala ’21, makes a last-minute hair adjustment before the dress rehearsal for 1984, the theater department’s winter Main Stage production. The production was adapted for the stage and directed by Professor of Theater and Avalon Professor of the Humanities Peter Hackett ’75.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
The cast of 1984 participates in a mandatory “Two Minutes Hate” session condemning enemies of the Party, while Winston Smith, played by Owen Page ’19, tries not to look like a dissenter.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
In Orwell’s vision of 1984, children are taught to betray adults. Mimi Fiertz ’18, right, plays Mrs. Parsons, whose child, Freddy, played by Eleanor Mitchell ’20, center, is upset at not being allowed to attend a public execution.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
The cast of 1984 stages the first part of the dystopian story as a 1940s-era radio play. At the microphone, Venice Ohleyer ’21, left, narrates the connections between Orwell’s vision and the current political moment.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
On the set of 1984, Winston Smith, played by Owen Page ’19, left, marvels at the black-market goods his lover, Julia, played by Kerrigan Quenemoen ’20, has managed to smuggle into their secret apartment.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
1984 narrator Venice Ohleyer ’21 gives the audience advice on how to maintain a sense of autonomy under authoritarian rule.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
Winston Smith and Julia, played by Owen Page ’19 and Kerrigan Quenemoen ’20, are arrested for “thoughtcrime” in the theater department’s production of 1984.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
“Thoughtcriminals” are detained in the Ministry of Love in the theater department’s production of 1984.
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dress rehearsal for a student production of 1984
After dress rehearsal, the cast of 1984 forms a circle on the Moore Theater stage.