Not On Your Telescreen: WHS to Perform "1984"

Orwellian. Big Brother. Newspeak. 2018 news and conversation is littered with such terms, and they all have a common root: George Orwell’s 1984, being presented in play form at Westwood High School on November 1 and 3.

“I think 1984 could speak to any time, which is probably why it is still a part of the [Westwood High] English department's curriculum. That said, the current political climate, not only here at home but around the world has started to show a resemblance to the world Orwell created in the late 1940's. Taking the time to explore these themes and ideas is powerful for our students in the cast. This is the only world they know and they need to have hope that the world can be a more inclusive place. They need to know that they can affect change (even if Winston cannot.) Looking at the darker corners of our society allows us to see how the good parts shine. I'm an optimist who feels that tomorrow can always be better. Those are some of the reasons I chose the show. I also like giving our students a voice to speak out about what they feel passionately for or against,” says director and Westwood High School drama teacher, Jim Howard.

Winston Smith (portrayed by senior Hannah Murphy) is the play’s protagonist. A person whose job it is to literally rewrite history to meet the ruling Party’s line, Winston finds himself questioning the world he sees around him. He becomes romantically involved with Julia, a colleague (played by senior Chloe Goodman). Other characters include Charrington, an antiques dealer played by Sami Parazin. Senior Parazin’s name may sound familiar, as she was Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web last spring.

Winston meets O'Brien (Senior Bella Conary) for the first time. Photo Credit: Jim Howard

“I thought Hannah was right for the part so I cast her in it. The relationship is forbidden by Big Brother, by having it as a same-sex relationship it speaks to yet another way that the world of Big Brother is wrong,” says Howard of the casting. “I think it reflects the values of Westwood High School.”

“It is exciting to see my students succeed—to work together and create the show for an audience. The power of hearing them convey a strong point of view about the world and the need for it to be a better place [is] vital. Theatre has always held up a mirror to the world allowing the audience to see who they are. Right now it is imperative that we, as a community treat each other better, care more about one another. The divide in government, the points of views in the news, the horrors we see happening in our communities...all these things point to one thing: we need to be better neighbors, to help one another, and to embrace the idea of community. This play, in looking at a failed system will hopefully remind us of these things,” Howard replies when asked what he is most excited about 1984.

Howard urges all members of the Westwood community and beyond to come to the play. “I always like performances. They bring the community together to share in the success of our students. It is a chance for families and the town to celebrate their kids’ success. The act of coming to a play, reinforces my belief that coming together as a community to a shared event makes us closer. These days we need to be closer to our neighbors.

That said, it is a really good play that is being performed beautifully! Anyone coming to play will hopefully be leaving with more questions about the world, more engaged, and talking about what they saw and what it made them think about. It isn't an easy night of theatre, but I think it will be a fulfilling night.”

1984 will be performed at Westwood High School on November 1 at 7:30pm and November 3 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults. For more information about 1984, visit WestwoodStage.com.

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Picture credit: GDJ on Pixabay.

• The Westwood housing survey closes on November 5.
• Westwood Library's fine forgiveness ends October 31.
• November 2 is the deadline for the Holiday Giving Program.