We are happy to invite you to our next playreading, which will be hosted by Severin Troesch:

1984 by George Orwell, adapted for the stage by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan

Date and time: Monday, February 23, 18:30
Venue: St. Ursula’s Church, Jubiläumsplatz 2, 3005 Bern

Join us for a playreading of 1984 — the Olivier Award–nominated stage adaptation by Robert Icke and Duncan MacMillan, based on George Orwell’s timeless dystopian classic. This gripping reimagining brings Orwell’s world to life with haunting intensity – a rare play that keeps you on edge — equal parts thrilling, disturbing, and thought-provoking as it explores the chilling reach of totalitarian control.

Come along and experience a story that still feels urgently relevant today.

The reading is open to members and non-members alike. If you plan to join, please download the script from the members’ area of our new website, or contact us at playreading@upstage.ch to obtain the script, so you can bring it along in paper or digital form.

Synopsis: 

April, 1984. Winston Smith thinks a thought, starts a diary, and falls in love. But Big Brother is watching him, and the door to Room 101 can swing open in the blink of an eye. In a society where free thought, individuality, and love are outlawed, Winston’s quiet rebellion becomes both deeply personal and universally resonant. His story holds up a mirror to our modern world, reminding us how fragile freedom can be — and how powerful the human spirit remains.

Characters (6M, 3F):

• Winston (M): The lead. An ordinary, quietly rebellious man working for the Party, who begins to question the regime and longs for truth and freedom.
• Julia (F): A bold, resourceful young woman who works for the Party but secretly rebels, entering into a forbidden love affair with Winston.
• O’Brien (M): A powerful Inner Party member who appears sympathetic and intellectual, but ultimately embodies the ruthless logic of total Party control.
• Charrington (M): The antique shop owner who seems kindly and nostalgic for the past, later revealed to be working for the Thought Police.
• Syme (M): Winston’s intelligent colleague, a language expert enthusiastically working on Newspeak, whose insight makes him dangerous to the Party.
• Parsons (M): Winston’s loud, loyal, and rather simple-minded neighbor and coworker; a true believer in Party slogans, eventually betrayed by his own children.
• Martin (M): O’Brien’s quiet and efficient servant/assistant, always present but rarely speaking, reinforcing O’Brien’s authority and mystery.
• Mrs Parsons (F): Parsons’ anxious, worn-down wife, fearful of her overzealous children and the ever-present threat of denunciation.
• Child (F): A young girl raised as a fervent Party supporter, quick to spy and accuse, showing how deeply the regime has infiltrated family life.

The roles will be assigned at the play reading.

We look forward to seeing you there!