GEORGE Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four has been adapted by shake & stir theatre co into a terrifically frightening event that will hit Newcastle's Civic Theatre for one day only.
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1984 will blur the lines between reality and horror when it brings Orwell's book to life for Hunter audiences for two shows, at 11am and 8pm on Thursday, March 27.
Orwell wrote the dystopian masterpiece in 1948 as a prediction of the future political landscape and how it would affect people's day-to-day lives.
Co-artistic director Nick Skubij said the parallels between the original text and what we have experienced in the 21st century were "frighteningly accurate" in many areas of modern-day living.
Sixty-six years later the themes resonate deeply and they will be explored in a "dark, twisted and grotesque way".
Skubij described the production as "Big Brother meets Saw I, II, III, IV, V and VI."
The 1984 crew promise the show's contemporary relevance is not the only scary aspect about the production.
The plot follows Winston Smith, of Oceania, a nation constantly at war.
It is a society where cameras watch every move and police patrol the streets looking for traitors.
Smith, an editor at the Ministry of Truth, attempts to rewrite history to align the past with the radical political agenda of the ruling party and its ominous, elusive leader, Big Brother, who might not even exist.
But by night Winston pursues a forbidden love affair with Julia to rebel against the oppressive regime that controls him, though when the pair are discovered they are violently separated and detained.
Tickets to the production range from $20 to $40. For bookings call Ticketek on 4929 1977 or go to civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.
The Examiner has two double passes to give away to 1984 on Thursday, March 27.
To win a pass email your contact details to msharples@fairfaxmedia.com.au with "1984" as the email subject line before Monday, March 24.
The winners will be notified the next day.
Entrants can specify which show time would be preferable, 11am or 8pm on March 27.
