Revel in the renewed relevance of George Orwell’s 1984
It’s always a bit spooky when works of fiction predict the future – heck, nobody could have guessed that The Simpsons picked the Cubs finally winning the World Series years before it happened. One of history’s most definitive works of literature has turned out to bear some serious foreshadowing in modern society – George Orwell’s 1984 isn’t just a book you were probably forced to read in high school, but more a manifesto of the shape of things to come. Coming to QPAC from June 14–18, this worldwide classic is taking to the stage to bring us a hefty dose of the heebie-jeebies.
Fresh from its internationally successful theatre circuit, George Orwell’s 1984 returns to Brisbane under the genius direction of Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan. Celebrated actor Tom Conroy will take on the role of Winston, starring alongside a cast of some of Australia’s best stage actors. Set in a world (not unlike our own) where a hostile government keeps a maliciously watchful eye on its people, this chilling stage adaptation of 1984 unpacks the themes of surveillance and identity, all the while explaining why Orwell’s vision of the future is as relevant now as ever. The play serves as a stark reminder that these issues are taking place right now, amplified by our willing and subconscious participation in the daily violations of our privacy.
Originally published in 1949, 1984 remains one of the most influential novels of all time – its depiction of perpetual war, pervasive government tracking, mind control and the corruption of language and history have become increasingly reflected in our modern reality. Many of the terms used in the book have casually slipped into our lexicon as well – everyone knows that Big Brother is one of the most iconic literary inventions of the 20th century. The book is currently sitting pretty on the top of the Amazon bestseller list, bolstered by the election of a certain alternative-fact-toting president of the free world – guess the truth really is stranger than fiction, eh?
If you’re down for a freaky taste of the future coming directly from the past, you can nab tickets to 1948 through QPAC.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
