1984: AGAIN

1984:AGAIN is a thought-provoking, not crowd-pleasing, empathetic, and generally speaking encouraging show. I wrote all this, and some may contain spoilers? I hope it’s OK considering I went to the closing performance.

I kinda like the structure of this show, with all the 3 timelines and intersections/interactions with real-life events. The interesting structure leads to exceptional narratives and TENSION, to the extent that it leaves room for the audience to ponder before falling asleep tonight till next week. I very much like this approach to storytelling- it presents the book and asks you to flip the pages.

I love the monologues more than the dialogues; they are the ones that almost made me shed a tear. I absolutely love the song, a version of Bella Ciao, as someone who is also into musical theatre. The singer’s voice itself is storytelling.

It is my first time at an all-inclusive show; broadening my understanding can be for real. I mean, we all know that there’re infinite ways to make a theatrical production work inclusively, yet rarely do we consider how to make inclusivity organic. I think they kind of did that. And I might be a fan of Theatre Terrific right now cuz you folks are quite terrific.

Ofc there’re potential improvements to be made. As for the whole surveillance camera online meeting thingy, I was impressed at first, but it quickly felt thin. Because we’re just watching (which is fair considering that’s probably what people in Oceania can do), not interacting much, or even making meaningful decisions. The monitor here is more of a condiment to enhance flavour and immersion, not really a big deal? Anyways, props to the person holding the camera, I don’t know if you are a human anymore or merely a government agent like birds are. I’d love to see the concept being explored further, actually: What if the audience can vote? What if we can interfere with endings or characters’ destinies? Not necessarily to save the world, but we could be seen as the common folks wielding our weapons against other common folks; we could be a bunch of mobs who joined a populist rally, we could be a bunch of directors, we could be more. Winston may have a fate sealed away, but it never hurts to make everything a little Kahoot game. Again, if the fact that we can only remain silent is the vibe of Oceania, then it all makes total sense. Otherwise, we may not be given the tools to participate. However, I wasn’t in the online meeting for very long, so I might have missed important info that led to my biases due to my phone’s battery situation and how it burns in my pocket under the sunbeam. I do apologize if I underestimated their vision, as these comments are purely subjective and largely delusional.

As people probably can tell, a show called 1984:AGAIN will be highly political, and it is. I like it. I like it as a person who’s never read the book before. The only thing I know about 1984 is the fictional anthem of Oceania that my highly political friend sang about. Even so, I liked it. I like the way some political satires and “jokes” were delivered. I especially like the way it did not end up lecturing the audience or providing a boring summary of the book. It moves forward to question the audience, to ask When will you fight for whatever you are fighting for, and Why haven’t you started. In this case, the answer to the latter question is fear, while love being the counterargument provided. Fear & love: we can choose our answer, somehow. Whoever did this adapted it well; they know something about mobilizing. I too like to add a call-to-action paragraph at the end of my essay.

That being said, I decided to give this show a 5/5. We need more of this in every aspect possible (more good political commentary, more accessibility, more interesting shows with creative ideas, etc.). You know I’m biased cuz my friend is in the cast. I also wanted to mention how I appreciate that they have an ASL interpreter alongside the performance; you know I’m impressed. Actors, you did a great job and I WILL be studying your delivery to aid my own acting and use your data captured by my Flock camera eyes to train my Artificial Intelligence powered neural network + feed into my surveillance model named personal growth. As for the crew and creative team, thank you thank you thank you.

Love the free posters btw.

This was fantastic. The ability inclusive theater company recreating 1984, combining it with the biography of Eric Blair aka George Orwell (especially the Spanish civil war), and a meta-discussion about the importance of stories and whether or not to finish the story or to break it. Along with a beautiful rendition of Bella Ciao that made me cry. This was my favorite performance of the Fringe this year.

The “director”/moderator had a strong presence that helped give meaning to each scene. Winston and Julia were excellent, really well articulated and engaging acting. Loved how all the actors were given roles that suited their comforts/preferences and they were wonderful to watch! The woman who solo sang did such an incredible job as well

Absolutely amazing production, thoughtful, funny and heartfelt. Really perfect for the times we are in. Loved loved loved!

The original way this way written and put together left me almost in tears. The acting was first rate and captivating. I especially was taken by how it ended. Unfortunately tomorrow is the last show because I would love to see it again. I can see why it was sold out.

Connections to today's events were drawn pointedly and the whole cast put true effort into the production. Thank you for underlining the importance of action to not have yet another "again" just as Orwell predicted.

Wow, left the show crying. This cast and crew balanced the terror of tyranny, with the hope of unified resistance. Soul felt performances. And such an expansive cast!

I think tickets are sold out, but i will certainly go to another theater terrific performance.

A masterclass in disability representation on stage. Gripping storyline, a busy stage where everyone stayed on cue and in character.

Super excellent performance! The actors all had some genuine talent and commitment to putting on an amazing show, and they succeeded well. They all worked together to create a powerful and moving story that has been relevant, as the show covers, from the 1940s to now and beyond in both directions. The outdoor venue was very nice and accessible, and the team behind the scenes did a great job with sound, costuming, etc. Such a wonderful and moving play that I would highly recommend.

Incredibly well acted and directed!! A fresh take on a story we are all familiar with. Would highly recommend!

Love this clever adaptation of the classic story of 1984. It is a true testimony of an inclusive theatre. Everyone of the cast was empowered to perform and shine on stage! It brought me tears especially knowing that the story is still, sadly, so relevant today.

This show allows the audience to experience this story of 1984 as it allows us to witness several layers of the impact of ‘big brother’. By engaging in both historical and modern details it brings the audience into the metaphor, and asks the question ‘if you’re uncomfortable, what are you going to do about this?’

Theatre Terrific’s performance was heartfelt, powerful and showcased the fact that diverse abilities strengthen storytelling.

Congrats to this team in producing this difficult and challenging work. I came to the show because I wanted to see what a cast of diverse physical abilities, diverse Neurotypes, genders, and backgrounds would create. This is a complex and serious piece which resonates even now, let alone in 1984. I believe all people deserve to be heard and seen. There were two sign language interpreters so that all audience members could experience the show.

I had the honour to witness the Theatre Terrific production of 1984: AGAIN on Saturday September 12th at the Picnic Pavilion on Granville Island. You know what it's like when you witness a piece of theatre that washes over you like a huge wave? It affects your entire being, your body, your heart, your thoughts and so much more that words fail to define what you have experienced. That is what 1984: AGAIN was for me and believe much of the audience. The Theatre Terrific "all inclusive cast" so potently painted the picture of what we are truly living through in the world today...tyranny, fear to speak your truth, democracy under attack, war and a tsunami of lies on social media. It truly was a call to stand together for truth, for the right to live in freedom and to not hide in fear and isolation. The voices, the choreography, the music and the song are still resonating within me. Don't miss this amazing, courageous theatre telling. There are only four more shows and the previous three sold out. With deepest gratitude, Susanna Uchatius

I knew going into the show the similarities of George Orwell's 1984 to the current state of world politics, but hearing the references during the play and hearing dialogue much akin to what we hear about in the daily news cycle, this show is much more than theatre but a mirror back towards ourselves.

I thought that everyone in the cast did a fantastic job, and helped bring the story alive. All of the movements during scene changes were really smooth and kept me immersed in the story.

All in all a great show, and if you have the chance to see it this Fringe Festival do not miss it!

Innovative storytelling and powerful performances— this is what you come to the fringe for!!

This is a complex, incredible, moving reflection on 1984 and how we’re kinda living it.

Very powerful show inspired by Orwell's 1984. The cast is made up of talented people of different abilities, passionate about the art and the story. Having a context behind 1984 is recommended, but even though, the play can impress anyone interested in political commentary. The play is composed of multiple storylines and was breaking the wall multiple times, so as a fan of meta arts, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves thought-provoking art. I was on the verge of crying throughout the show, and truly inspired by actors' play, singing and creativity. Great job, and thank you!!

Representation matters, and seeing such a talented and diverse cast that includes people with and without disabilities gives me hope for the future. This is an intense and powerful show about freedom and resistance that is very relevant to what is happening in the world today. Theatre Terrific is an inclusive theatre company celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and I'm so impressed with their highly polished work. I was singing along with the cast by the end of the show, although it is not a happy ending. We all need courage and collective support to navigate challenging times. Bravo.