SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre and Dance Presents Production of Dystopian Novel, ‘1984,’ from Oct. 26 to 29
A scene from the SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre and Dance production of “1984,” showing at the Performing Arts Center from Oct. 26 to 29. O’Brien (John George, center) asks Winston (Tony Rossi-Denton, seated) to imagine the future as a boot stomping on a human face, forever, while thought police (from left: Kellie Tang, Avery Tromblee and Jack Burley) keep watch (Photo credit: Ayisha Khalid ’24).
The SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre and Dance will bring the classic dystopian novel “1984” to the Performing Arts Center’s Proscenium Theater, in a completely immersive multi-media experience, showing from Oct. 26 to 29.
Based on the novel by George Orwell, the play deals with life under an omnipresent leader Big Brother, where state surveillance is universal.
“When I first read Orwell’s ‘1984,’ ironically in the actual year 1984, I was fascinated with the concept of doublespeak, the official language of the fictional land Oceania," said director Dr. Jay Pecora. “But I found the idea that people would have a screen in their homes that could see them at all times ridiculous. When I mentioned this to the cast, they laughed, because, of course, the reality today is that not only do we have a screen in our homes like this, but there is one at our places of employment and we carry such a screen with us at all times, happily.”
Based on the novel first published in 1949, the play explores the relationship between Winston and Julia, who struggle to keep their commitment to one another secret in London, 1984, a place where secrets are impossible to keep, because every moment of the day citizens are under surveillance from screens on every wall everywhere, enforced by the thought police who are around every corner.
Cast member Annabelle Kahle ’25, a junior double major in music performance and history said of the experience: “I have always felt that my voice is being heard and valued in the theatre and dance department; it is the safest place, I feel, to participate in creative work, and really just to be. Above all that, it's fun. I feel connected to my peers, to my community, and I am very excited to share all of our work on such a creatively driven project with the world. All of us, we can't wait to share Orwell's dystopia with you all.”
Syme (TJ LaCroix) explains how Doublespeak works to Julia (Morgan Ball), in a scene from the upcoming mainstage production of “1984” from SUNY Potsdam’s Department of Theatre and Dance (Photo credit: Ayisha Khalid ’24).
Evening performances will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 28. A special school performance will be held on Friday, Oct. 27 at 9:30 a.m., and a matinee will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29.
All tickets for Theatre and Dance Department productions are free this year and can be picked up at the door starting 30 minutes before the show time. Educators interested in bringing students to the Friday performance can contact outreach coordinator Emily Gilligan at gilligec205@potsdam.edu or by calling (315) 267-2547.
Content warning information: Please note that this show is not suitable for all audiences, especially younger and more sensitive audiences. There are moments of intimacy between Julia and Winston, and scenes with moments of violence.
For more information on the production, please contact Department of Theatre and Dance Chair Dr. Jay Pecora, at pecorajw@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-2547.
SUNY Potsdam's Department of Theatre and Dance cultivates an innovative, experiential, and multidisciplinary education within an inclusive community which prepares students for leadership and service in the arts as global citizens. The department offers majors in dance, theatre and arts management—all housed in the College's award-winning Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/theatre.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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