I was impressed with the the Student Society’s presentation of Orwell’s iconic 20th century novel and its dramatic treatment. It is well written and the manner in which it tells Winston Smith’s story via the retelling and re-enacting his personal diary, now in the hands of the Interrogator, is most engaging. His story is squeezed from him little by little during the constant, relentless questioning. Winston’s life, or relevant parts thereof, are depicted by four Party Members who each play various characters in his past and present.
Director Oswin Kwan moves his players like those on a chess board in and around the playing space in a beguiling manner. His direction is well aided and abetted by Movement Director Deli Cooper who employs static friezes as well as nicely coordinated set routines of the Party Members that emphasise the repetition and control under the state of Big Brother. The other notable components of this worthy production include the stark utilitarian set designed by Thomas Brogden and a well engineered and coordinated sound score including both vocal and sound effects, by Tommy Raets. Costume design by Jehosheba Manoa has every character but Winston effectively in drab, prison like dungarees in keeping with the dark sombre tone of the play. Indeed all the technical aspects contribute to the overall atmosphere of inevitability and absolute oppression that the play delivers in spades.
It is both a strong and confident cast that delivers this piece of theatre. Liam Warmeant as Winston Smith our central and constant focus, crafts an admirable and sustained performance. He is on stage from beginning to end and maintains admirable concentration to present a character we can both understand and empathise with. His Interrogator, Adam Bullmore, is a menacing, repetitious voice of constant questioning and probing. Adam has a voice suited to this role and his delivery has power. When he appears for the final scene his intimidation of and attack on Winston is relentless but I thought his voice maintained the same note for too long. Maybe a subtle change to one which is more casual, flippant and with a clipped matter of fact air might be just as sinister and inject a little more pace into the inevitable trump card delivery. However, having said that, the final scene is powerfully played, if a little slow in pace.
Henry Chipperfield (Party Member 1) as the diary-driven version of Winston delivers an even performance although his voice was a little quiet at times and needs to be directed upwards and out to his audience. His portrayal of Winston, and especially the scenes with Julia, is both touching and convincing. Party Member (2), Veronika Wlodarczyk demonstrates a refreshing ease on stage with both voice and movement. Her depiction of Julia, Winston’s seemingly secret lover, is sensitively handled. A promising and confident stage performance. Party Member (3) Rajiv Paranavithana as well as playing a couple of characters from Winston’s past, is the ideal example of a totalitarian state citizen. He is variously fierce and angry and always zealous as per the manner of his “programming”. Party Member (4) Lily Watkins also portrays several characters with intelligent and subtle change in voice and demeanour. She plays the shopkeeper spy who betrays Winston’s illegal relationship with Julia. Lily has a voice sweet and clear and she also promises much for future productions. Loud Speaker Voice delivered by Charlie Milne is cracklingly clear and concise.
Overall I consider this production to be one of the best of recent TGSS offerings in terms of both teamwork and an effective realisation of an intelligent script. Having good material to start with always helps no end! “1984” is really worth seeing and I’m sure last night’s audience would agree with me.
