By Sara Wiercinski
The U.S. stage premier of the classic novel 1984 takes place later this month at Kansas City’s own Avila University.
Matt Schwader Harbor who is Associate Professor of Theatre, Director of Performance Studies and Chair of the School of Performing Arts at Avila University was looking for “something different” for the fall play when he selected Ryan Craig’s adaptation of 1984, which premiered in Bath, England in September 2024.
Harbor sees the relevance to his students’ daily lives.
“Many parts of their social lives are recorded. It’s a different life that 20 year olds have now. Do they experience freedom in the same way as I did?”
When George Orwell wrote the book in 1949, surveillance tools were still the stuff of science fiction.
“With Siri in our pockets, Alexa in our homes, ring doorbells… we certainly already live in a partial surveillance state,” said Harbor. “Also there’s the theme of playing fast and loose with the truth.”
To prepare for the lead role as Winston, Alejandro Lopez read the original 1984.
“The book is all in Winston’s head, a stream of consciousness,” said Lopez. Integrating the source material with the play’s script allowed him to bring more dimension to the role.
“I hope people who know 1984 will see our play as a faithful adaptation,” said Lopez. “And those who don’t know the story will want to read the book.”
Sophomore Kendall Hobgood is in her first lead role as Julia.
“It’s challenging,” said Hobgood. “In the book, Julia’s character is surface level. Who she is exists inside of Winston’s head. The play transfers her to the stage as more nuanced.”
The Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre allows for impactful visual effects.
Micah Cheek plays O’Brien and is also the scenic designer. He explained the vision for a giant 32’ x 16’ projection screen at the back of the theater to convey “the looming presence of Big Brother.”
Assistant director and stage manager Zachary Stoddard described the live video feed and pre-recorded segments that will be integrated alongside live actors. Senior film major Alex Valdez, who is in charge of projection for the show, manages a team of Avila film students to create the show’s many special effects.
“We have never done anything this ambitious here at Avila,” said Harbor. “It will be fun to look at and we will learn a lot.”
Before rehearsals even started, Avila History Professor Dr. Jeffrey Myers talked to cast and crew about authoritarian regimes from the past to provide context to 1984’s place in time.
Following each performance, Dr. Myers will lead talkback sessions with the audience and cast.
“The story is a sort of Rorschach test,” said Harbor. “Depending on your political leaning you can find support in the story for your side.”
Performances are November 20-22 at 7:30 pm and a 2 pm matinee on November 23 at the Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre inside Goppert Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $10 each; $8 for seniors and students; free to all Avila students.
“This is definitely not a Thanksgiving feel good play!” said Harbor. “It’s so raw, so terrifying. It will shake you.”
Reserve tickets by calling 816-501-3699 or email box.office@avila.edu. Learn more at www.avila.edu.