The City of Karratha to host critically acclaimed stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984, bringing a tense, high-impact theatre to local audiences.
On September 24 Shake & Stir Theatre Co will plunge audiences into the harrowing world of Oceania – where surveillance is constant, truth is rewritten, and independent thought can be deadly.
With immersive staging, striking lighting and video design, and a pulsating soundscape, 1984 delivers a visceral night at the theatre that is as unsettling as it is unforgettable.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said securing the production was a win for the City’s arts calendar.
“This is a bold and thought-provoking work that will have audiences gripped from start to finish,” Cr Scott said.
“We want our community to enjoy the kind of world-class performances you’d expect to see in capital cities, and 1984 is exactly that.
It’s a story that still resonates in today’s world, and I’m proud we can bring it to the people of Karratha.”
The cast features leading Australian performers, including Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Winston Smith, Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor) as Julia, and Tony Cogin (Frankenstein) sharing the role of O’Brien, Steven Rooke (Fourteen, Animal Farm) and Abhilash Kaimal (Nautilus).
Adapted by Shake & Stir Co-Artistic Directors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij and directed by Michael Futcher, the production stays true to Orwell’s iconic novel while employing award-winning creative design from Josh McIntosh (set), Jason Glenwright (lighting), Guy Webster (sound), and Craig Wilkinson (video).
“Our community loves engaging, intelligent performances and 1984 will spark conversation long after the curtain falls,” Cr Scott said.
“I encourage everyone to book early – this is theatre at its most intense and unmissable.”
1984 will be performed at the Red Earth Arts Precinct on 24 September. Tickets available from reap.karratha.wa.gov.au