1984

(Sydney Theatre Company)

'1984' is a stage production of the famous George Orwell novel of that name which sets out three authoritarian regimes where history changes on political whim, where the citizens are subject of total monitoring and where individualism does not exist.

The play seems to sit outside of this world at times observing events both contemporarily and retrospectively. The time frame is fluid being both now, in the future and in the past.

The staging makes much use of sound and light design and is impressive. The ensemble of nine delivers beautifully timed and choreographed performances.

My one reservation is that the play doesn't deliver sustained menace. There are moments but the tension tends to ebb and flow.

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