The American Drama Group Europe performs “1984” by George Orwell at FOSBOS Memmingen.
In 1984, England is part of the state of Oceania, which is ruled by the Socialist Party of England with Big Brother as dictator. „Big Brother is watching you,“ is inscribed on posters that serve as a daily reminder that the Great Brother has every individual under constant surveillance. A wrong statement, an incorrect facial expression, or a forbidden thought could lead to the destruction of one’s existence.
Winston knows this system well; he works for the “Ministry of Truth”, an institution capable of changing any historical event to align perfectly with the interests of the state. Even though the citizens are aware that reality reveals quite differently, they admire Big Brother in the highest terms. This principle is called „doublethink.“ This „thought control“ aims to destroy language and simplify it so drastically that „thought crime“ becomes impossible. However, Winston’s curiosity about the truth awakens, and he falls in love with Julia.
Orwell’s visionary portrayal of a world of total observation echoes the current realities faced by countries such as China, North Korea, and Russia, along with their propaganda.
Text: Alexander Kind
Fotos: Simone Geyer
