1984

1984, based on the novel by George Orwell, and adapted by Robert Icke and Duncan McMillan, was the week nine weekend show in the University of York Drama Society's Autumn 2024 season. I took on the role of O'Brien, a member of Oceania's Inner Party.

Being one of my favourite books, and with O'Brien being my favourite character, it was a dream-come-true to be able to tackle the role on-stage. My goal was to create a depiction of the character that held true to the source material (to an extent; I admittedly lack his signature "prize-fighter physique"). This included extensive research into both the book and its adaptation, and collaborating with my fellow cast members to discuss and define their relationships in detail. O'Brien is a mad-man, but one that is so convinced of and rational with his words that he is nigh-on impossible to argue against. Adopting certain mannerisms - most importantly the disarming resettling of his spectacles - was important in showing not just his cold and calculated personality, but also the trustworthiness that Winston (Matthew Malkin) perceives in the Inner Party member; ultimately luring him into the hands of the Thought Police and sealing his fate. It was vital that O'Brien not be played as a maniacal villain, as whilst this may be true beneath the surface, his genuine concern for Winston and Julia's (Lauren Brine) lack of commitment to the Party is what guides his actions within the play. Playing such an authoritative figure presented an opportunity to break my usual acting habits, using projection and almost over-pronounced diction, alongside a more still and composed physicality, to sell O'Brien's presence within the story.