Photo Flash: First Look at Steppenwolf for Young Adults' Production of George Orwell's 1984

On the heels of a sold-out production of George Orwell's Animal Farm last season, Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) begins the 2015/16 season with another Orwellian masterpiece, 1984. Adapted by Andrew White and directed by SYA Artistic and Educational Director Hallie Gordon, 1984 receives a multi-media production that is a haunting, shockingly timely look at a future that seems disturbingly present. Performances began October 21 and continue through November 20, 2015 in the Upstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St); the press performance is Saturday, October 24 at 3pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth located in the nation of Oceania, part of a vast empire in a constant, shifting war against other superstates. Dissent is not tolerated (not even in thought), and Winston and his fellow citizens are under perpetual electronic surveillance by their ever-watchful ruler Big Brother. When Winston falls in love with a co-worker, their illegal affair pushes them to rebel and face the darkest and most dangerous corners of the regime.

The 1984 cast of professional actors features Matthew Abraham as Young Winston, Atra Asdou as Julia, Lance Baker as O'Brien, Elizabeth Birnkrant as Syme and others, Manny Buckley as Parsons and others, Dennis Grimes as Tillotson, Martin and others, Tyrone Phillips as Ampleforth and others and Adam Poss as Winston.

The production team for 1984 includes Collette Pollard (scenic design), Sally Dolembo (costume design), Amanda Clegg Lyon (lighting design), Andrew Rovner (sound design), Joseph A. Burke (projection design) and Ryan Bourque (fight choreography). Additional credits include: Jessamyn Fuller (casting),Deb Styer (stage manager) and Joel Moorman (director of photography).

Public performances of 1984 take place Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3 and 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm (except October 23) through November 15, 2015. Single tickets ($20) for public performances are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org; $15 tickets available with valid student I.D. Note: Student performances run through November 20 and have sold out. 1984 is recommended for ages 14 and up. A study guide created by SYA is available online.

Photo Credit: joe mazza / brave lux inc.

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