Robert Icke and Duncan MacMillan’s confronting adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 was viewed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Lyric Thetare. The despotic dimension of 1984, focuses on the dreary existence of Winston Smith (Tom Conroy), who aims to find meaning and affection in an invasive, futuristic society, where conformity, control and coercion are the standard and freedom and humanity serve only as a reminiscence of the distant past. Effectively, amplifying the continuous themes and contrariety of ‘Freedom vs. Oppression’, Icke and MacMillan have shaped this mind-bending piece with the collaborative use of a variety of theatrical Conventions. The Conventions of Realism, in the form of believable characters, Visual Theatre, projection
…show more content…
The Convention of Realism, of believable characters is depicted by the Element of Drama, the human context as well as the characteristics and super objectives of the characters. Together these elements and conventions exert the concept of freedom, as through the movement, such as facial expressions and gestures, and language of the characters, hope is emphasised. As Winston and Julia portray believable characteristics, including emotion and feeling, concerning relationships, facial expressions, body language and gesture, relating to role and intellect regarding situation, liberty is indicated. This is specified as although oppression is evident in the dictation of many thoughts and actions, it is clear that, as a part of human nature, the character’s dissident themselves from conforming to become monotonous clones, still persisting to maintain individuality. A prime example of this is Winston and Julia’s interactions. Conroy and Mills have been effective in their gestures, facial expressions and body language remaining true to realism as their super-objective of defying big brother to savour their love and prolong their liberty symbolises hope, relating to the true-to-life nature of their characters, since affection and freedom are a part of life and normality. The Convention of Realism, of believable characters and the Elements of Drama of the Human Context, …show more content…
The manipulation of the elements of drama and conventions of Realism, Visual Theatre and Absurdism with/and the support of the elements of production the directors have been effective in the portrayal of the confronting themes and contrariety of freedom and oppression. Icke and MacMillan have been skillful in staying true to the conventions of style and Orwell’s vision for 1984, overall effectively and truthfully creating dramatic action, meaning and evoking the audience to question the themes presented of freedom and
The Convention of Realism, of believable characters is depicted by the Element of Drama, the human context as well as the characteristics and super objectives of the characters. Together these elements and conventions exert the concept of freedom, as through the movement, such as facial expressions and gestures, and language of the characters, hope is emphasised. As Winston and Julia portray believable characteristics, including emotion and feeling, concerning relationships, facial expressions, body language and gesture, relating to role and intellect regarding situation, liberty is indicated. This is specified as although oppression is evident in the dictation of many thoughts and actions, it is clear that, as a part of human nature, the character’s dissident themselves from conforming to become monotonous clones, still persisting to maintain individuality. A prime example of this is Winston and Julia’s interactions. Conroy and Mills have been effective in their gestures, facial expressions and body language remaining true to realism as their super-objective of defying big brother to savour their love and prolong their liberty symbolises hope, relating to the true-to-life nature of their characters, since affection and freedom are a part of life and normality. The Convention of Realism, of believable characters and the Elements of Drama of the Human Context, …show more content…
The manipulation of the elements of drama and conventions of Realism, Visual Theatre and Absurdism with/and the support of the elements of production the directors have been effective in the portrayal of the confronting themes and contrariety of freedom and oppression. Icke and MacMillan have been skillful in staying true to the conventions of style and Orwell’s vision for 1984, overall effectively and truthfully creating dramatic action, meaning and evoking the audience to question the themes presented of freedom and