LCC embarks on its take on George Orwell’s 1984
“1984 is one of the most banned books of all time because of its political, pro-communist, and anti-authoritarian themes,” the American Library Association said. Photo by Kevin Fowler.
By Emmett Roman
Staff Reporter
It’s 1984, or what you believe is to be 1984. You live in Great Britain, but not the Britain that you’re familiar with. This Britain is cold, unwelcoming, deceitful, spiteful and forceful. The world is a dystopian one, controlled by those in the government trying to control you. This is the setting that LCC’s latest stage production, 1984, takes place in.
From April 12 – 18, the Lansing Community College performing arts department took its turn adapting the book to the live stage. The play was directed by Paige Dunkel, the performing arts production coordinator.
“One of my favorite things about the play is that it's an ensemble piece—every role is important to tell the story of Winston,” Dunkel said. “Every actor played multiple roles in the telling of the story. The cast was a dream! Everyone was so invested in telling this iconic story and telling it in an honest way.”
LCC students and community members played the following roles:
O’Brien: Raymon Torres
Winston Smith: Jason Durr
Prisoner, W2: Samuel Barrix
Prisoner, Julia: Beck Murphy
Prisoner, Martin, Thin Man: Rylan Houle
Prisoner, Parsons: Carter Woods
Prisoner, Ashley, Real Julia: Liv Challa
Prisoner, Guard: William Reed
Rehearsals lasted for about seven weeks, with a break off for spring break. Anyone could audition for the play, and for any production at LCC. It is not required to be a theatre major to be a part of the production. Actually, six cast members in 1984 are current LCC students; one is an alum of the theatre program, and one is someone from the community.
Dunkel picked the adaptation written by Nick Hern because she “really liked how Hern used prisoners to re-enact Winston's thoughtcrimes in Act I and then, in Act II, we get to see Winston face off with O'Brien,” Dunkel said.
Dunkel also appreciates the history of the play and the book it is based on. “It’s understandable why Orwell would write such a work following World War II, having witnessed the power struggle of Nazi Germany and Russia,” Dunkel began. “My interest in banned literature is only a small reason why I wanted to direct this adaptation.”
However, Dunkel also noted that the play has a timelessness to it, which helped make the decision to produce the play easier. “The strongest reason lies in this adaptation’s focus on the unrelenting struggle to survive raging inside of Winston and his unapologetic love for Julia,” Dunkel said. “In the face of destruction of self and crushing loss, Winston still has faith—faith in love, history, art, beauty and most importantly, the strength of the human spirit to overcome all threats against what makes us human. The tragedy is that he is the last man standing until he can’t anymore.”
There are two more showings of 1984. One is today, April 17, at 7 p.m., and another is tomorrow, April 18, at 7 p.m. All showings are in Dart Auditorium and free to students and to the public.
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