LA Review: '1984'

At a time when much of the press is purported to be fair and balanced, Michael Gene Sullivan's adaptation of "1984" is a chilling reminder that some of the political excesses set forth in George Orwell's novel are painfully evident in today's increasingly monopolistic media. Neocon war policies, politicians who lie with impunity, incarceration of citizens without due process, and scaremongering as a governmental tool are all too familiar.

The play begins with prisoner Winston Smith (V.J. Foster) answering questions delivered by a disembodied voice, later learned to be that of O'Brien (Nathan Kornelis), a man whom he trusted as a political ally. Four other actors in identical black business suits (Robert Turton, Chris Schultz, Will Thomas McFadden, and Molly O'Neill) become a squad of characters from the book and even play Smith himself. As an ensemble, their precision is admirable, though director Tim Robbins' choices sometimes result in work that swings from overwrought to bloodless.

Foster's Smith is more overtly masculine than Orwell's frail, pale victim, but he suffers the electric shocks and physical abuse dealt him by Big Brother's disciples with believability. An interesting conceit has Smith observing himself as the cast plays out his love for a mysterious character named Julia.

Sullivan manages to include much of Orwell's text, particularly his dichotomous slogans: "War Is Peace," "Freedom Is Slavery," "Ignorance Is Strength." Though Orwell described "1984" as a satire, this production focuses on the nightmarish quality of life experienced by those who have no privacy from Big Brother and are frequently exhorted to love war and hate everything else.

Sybil Wickersheimer's stark set, lit effectively by Lauren Wemischner, places the responsibility for setting the mood squarely on the characters. Rosalida Medina's costumes help create the impersonal world of Oceania.

The production is engaging, with plenty of sex and violence to keep an audience engrossed. Providing political food for thought, the Actors' Gang puts its hallmark visceral talents to the test and delivers a strong cautionary tale.

Presented by and at the Actors' Gang, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Feb. 25–March 24. Thu.–Sat., 8 p.m. (No performances Thu., March 15 and 22.) (310) 838-4264 or www.theactorsgang.com.