1984, George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel of misplaced government authority comes alive onstage July 6-28 at Pentacle Theatre.
1984 is a thrilling drama adapted for the stage from Orwell’s novel. It depicts the horrors of man’s fate in a society where Big Brother is always watching, and where everything that is not prohibited is compulsory.
“It’s a powerful and provocative look at a dystopian future where ‘War is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength,” said Jenni Bertels, who directs the play.
Bertels assembles a cast of strong actors to focus the action on how government thought control compels and affects each character.
English teachers often assign Orwell’s novel 1984 to middle- and high school students because of its strong, thought-provoking story of what could happen if society gives in to strong government control of thoughts, beliefs and actions.
As Orwell said about his novel, “I do not believe that the kind of society I describe necessarily will arrive, but I believe that something resembling it could arrive. The moral to be drawn from the dangerous nightmare situation is a simple one: Don’t let it happen. It depends on you.”
The cast includes Ally Chancellor, Nolan Good, Deborah Johansen, Montana Langford, Emily Loberg, Steven Marik, Elizabeth Ming, Lance Nuttman, Jason Ramey, Ryan Snyder, Teresa Waite and Marco Zetino. Seth Allen, Clyde Berry and Jeff Brownson provide recorded voices.
IF YOU GO
What: 1984, adapted for the stage by Robert Owens, Wilton E. Hall, Jr., and William A. Miles, Jr. Directed by Jenni Bertels, with David Cristobal as assistant director.
When: July 6-28
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW, off Highway 22, about 6 miles west of downtown Salem, Oregon.
Sponsored by: 1984 is made possible by the generous support of Pentacle patrons Glantz Law Group. .
Tickets: Tickets range in price from $24-29.
- $29 for opening night includes a catered post-show party.
- $25 for Friday and Saturday evening performances.
- $27 for Sunday matinee performances.
- $24 for Wednesday and Thursday evening performances.
- Seniors, students and military are eligible for a $1.50 discount per ticket.
- Through Salem for All, Oregon Trail cardholders are eligible for a 50 percent discount per ticket.
Pizza and Performance night for middle school through college students: Pentacle Theatre is offering a special “Pizza and Performance” night discount for middle school through college students for the Saturday, July 7 show. Just $12.50 buys eligible students pizza and soda on the Pentacle Theatre deck, a seat for 1984, and a special post-show talkback about 1984 with the cast and crew. To reserve your ticket, call the Pentacle Theatre ticket office at 503-485-4300. Don’t forget to let us know your pizza preference and bring your student ID to the theater.
Where to buy: Advance tickets are available at Pentacle’s downtown Salem ticket office at 145 Liberty St. NE or by calling 503-485-4300 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, or online anytime at pentacletheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the theater box office 45 minutes before each performance.
Tickets for low-income persons: In partnership with Salem for All, Pentacle Theatre offers half-price tickets to Oregon Trail Card holders. For information, go to salemforall.org.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Pentacle Theatre seeks to inform our patrons about content that they may find objectionable. Because tastes vary — and what is offensive is subjective — we encourage you to read the script before purchasing a ticket if you’re concerned.
While there is no rating system for plays, this adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 is recommended for ages 14 and older, unless accompanied by a parent.
The script for 1984 includes:
- Mature content and themes. Parental guidance is suggested for children younger than 14.
- Simulated stage violence, including hitting, kicking, punching, brainwashing, simulated torture, and the “two minutes hate.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 503-485-4300.
