1984
Adapted by Robert Owens, Wilton E. Hall Jr. and William A. Miles Jr.
Based on the novel 1984 by George Orwell
Directed by Isabella Paterson (she/her)
Stage manager: Rey Duff (he/they)
Assistant stage manager: Devan Sharma (he/him)
Assistant stage manager: Haileigh Simpson (they/them)
TICKETS
1984 follows Winston Smith, a member of ‘The Party’, the violent authoritarian regime that runs Oceania, one of the three superpowers that control the entire globe. Set in what used to be London, Winston works for the Ministry of Truth. He is in charge of constantly re-printing news and documents with updated information, and destroying any past publications that don’t match the current truth that ‘The Party’ is spouting. Winston is troubled by his life and work, but doesn’t know what he would even do to rebel—that is, until he meets Julia and begins an illegal affair.
CHARACTERS
SENSITIVE CONTENT
1984 includes violence, police brutality, political violence, gaslighting, and depictions of physical and psychological torture upon Winston. Instances of fatphobic and sexist language, discussions of warfare, and depictions of antisemitism. Mentions of murder, hanging, suicide, child abuse, and amputation. The mention of cigarettes, and depictions of drinking alcohol. This production utilizes flashing lights, loud and unpleasant noises which might not be suitable for all audiences.
1984 involves stage combat, including kicking, throwing, pushing, grabbing, dragging and slapping. Alongside the inclusion of stage intimacy between Winston and Julia, which includes passionate kissing and intimate hugs.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Isabella Paterson (she/her)
– Director –
Isabella Paterson is a fourth year English Major at Carleton University, at least academically; she’s actually been at Carleton since the year 2018. Despite this long, long tenure as an undergraduate student she didn’t join SnB until last year. She dove right into the deep end though as she was involved in all three productions in various roles: she played Murderer #3 in Macbeth, Marcia in The Outsiders, and was a stagehand and set builder for Murder on the Orient Express. She’s excited to jump into directing and is ready to start Sock ‘n’ Buskin’s 81st season with a bang. Outside of theatre she like to read, write, and listen to live music.
Rey Duff (he/they)
– Stage Manager –
Rey is a fifth year Human Rights and Social Justice Major with a minor in English Language and Literature. This is Rey’s fourth season with Sock ‘n’ Buskin, and he is so excited to be a part of it in the booth for 1984 (always watching). Rey painted sets for the Importance of Being Earnest (2022) and Anne of Green Gables (2022), was a stagehand for Dracula (2022), Clue (2023) and Macbeth (2023) and most recently was the production stage manager for Murder on the Orient Express (2024). Rey is also the Social Media Coordinator for the Board, so you might spot him filming content out and about when he’s not backstage! Outside of theatre, Rey spends his time getting lost in urban nature, listening to music too loudly and daydreaming. They can’t wait to see everyone who gets involved and joins SnB for the first show of the 81st season.
Devan Sharma (he/him)
– Assistant Stage Manager –
Devan is starting his first year of teachers college at the University of Ottawa. He just graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management. He has worked for Sock ‘n’ Buskin once before on the production of Murder on the Orient Express (2024) as the lighting designer. He has previously been involved as an assistant director for Theatre Ashbury’s productions of Mamma Mia (2023) and Mean Girls (2024). He has always had a passion for theatre, both on and off stage. He has lived in Ottawa his entire life and cannot wait to teach high school history and/or drama in the future. When Devan is not working on various theatre projects or buried in coursework, he is likely playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching anything Star Wars-related, or nerding out a little too much over Lord of the Rings. Lastly, Devan is absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to be a part of the 1984 production team as an assistant stage manager.
Haileigh Simpson (they/them)
– Assistant Stage Manager –
Haileigh is a uOttawa theatre student currently taking a break from their studies and making their Sock ‘n’ Buskin debut. They come from work with the uOttawa theatre club as their 2023 fall semester costume designer, working on The Great Gatsby and Heathers. They also recently stage managed a production of High School Musical Jr. in their hometown (a full circle moment from their childhood obsession). Other credits include uOttawa department productions such as Concord Floral (sound tech) and Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (ASM). As one of 1984‘s ASMs, they are looking foward to fostering the warm and welcoming environnent theatre has always been for them. They are eager and honored to be included in the first show of SnB’s 81st season.