1984 Previews — Page 4

3NU said: "




• The book club sub-plot (if you can even call it that) felt quite unnecessary, unless...

"

That is indeed their intention. They put an article about the concepts of this production in their London program along with some interesting interviews.

hork said: "Lot666 said: "hork said: ""Avoid at all costs" is extremely common review rhetoric. When did it suddenly become offensive?"

Who said it was offensive?

The people who took offense to it."

I've just reread all of the posts that came after the original "Avoid at all costs" post by soneil, and no one said that this statement was offensive.

hork said: "Lot666 said: "hork said: "Lot666 said: "hork said: ""Avoid at all costs" is extremely common review rhetoric. When did it suddenly become offensive?"

Who said it was offensive?

The people who took offense to it."

I've just reread all of the posts that came after the original "Avoid at all costs" post by soneil, and no one said that this statement was offensive.

But they took offense to it. Do I really need to explain the meaning of the word "offensive"?"

I am the "they" whom you're referring to (I'm the one who actually cited the "Avoid at all costs" comment in my post), and I did not mention that comment because I found it offensive. Please do not presume to tell me what I take offense at.

Updated On: 6/19/17 at 09:52 AM

I feel so sorry for the cast and crew of this if they have to hear those shrill noises 8 times a week. If it's any consolation, they might just be numb to it at this point, or they can anticipate the moments and plug their ears.

As someone easily spooked by loud noises in theater, this production sounds like one I'll be steering clear of.

No, I'm using "offensive" the way it means: annoying or irritating. But fine, whatever, you didn't find it offensive, but other people clearly did.

coreman009 said: "For anyone who's seen this, I need some advisory. I've got general anxiety coupled with the occasional panic attack. No precise triggers (like strobes, gunshots, etc.), but sometimes can just feel completely overwhelmed, trapped, and panicky.

I already have tickets to this show and I'd like to see it (my girlfriend loved the book). So does anyone have advice on how to handle this play to avoid a panic attack? Just try to stay removed from the plot and remember I'm only watching a play? Any tips?"

How do you respond when you watch a TV show or movie in which characters find themselves in extremely disquieting situations? Do you envision yourself, consciously or not, in the character's position, and if so, are you likely to become very anxious and panicky? If you have such reactions to movies and television, then I expect you will find 1984 extremely troublesome. I am generally indifferent to such scenes on film because my mind perceives the characters and their situations as unreal, but my response to the character of Winston Smith undergoing reprogramming in Room 101 when he was a live person just 15 feet in front of me was profoundly different. I wasn't particularly bothered by the flashing lights and loud noises throughout the show, but the torture scene was excruciating to me. Based on your own self-description, you may well be compelled to leave the theater when the (lengthy) final scene begins.

Updated On: 6/20/17 at 02:37 PM

coreman009 said: "In movies and TV I'm always fine. Like you, it's easy to distinguish that it's fiction, though I doubt it'll be that easy when they're right in front of me.

Approximately how long is the scene and is it the very end of the play? Is there a scene just before it to prepare? Just kind of looking for a heads up so I can ready myself for the gruesomeness of it. Good to know the lights and sounds weren't too bad, if it's too intense it can sometimes cause an uptick in anxiety.

I sincerely thank you for all your help!!"



I would definitely not underplay the loudness of the sounds, I was not and am not squeamish towards the actual storyline/gore, but the loud sounds were unbearable and made me disassociate from the play,and they happen around 10 times throughout the ending. All I can say is good luck.

I'm taking a group of high school students to this in August. Can someone do a spoiler post and tell me what sorts of things happen in the torture scene, as well as in the earlier video scenes that I may need to warn parents about? I saw this in London two years ago but I apparently do not remember the details. People keep mentioning on this thread the highly graphic nature of the final scene (and some times the earlier love scenes on the screens). And for what ever reason, I can't picture what they're talking about. It weirdly didnt stick with me. Can someone describe them in a spoiler post below?

Much appreciated.

Edit; now in the spoiler toggle!

Updated On: 6/21/17 at 08:23 AM

To add to what dramamama611, LxGstv, and Lot666 already said...

If plays were to follow the same ratings system as movies do, I would place 1984 squarely in R territory. If you're bringing high school students to this show, I would be wary. Sure, today's high schoolers are likely exposed to a lot of violence in the media they consume, but I would be absolutely upfront about potential triggers, including strobe lights, loud noises, jump scares, high-pitched frequency ringing, gunshots, blood, and torture. (A friend who saw the play with me, who served in the military previously, was triggered at least once during the course of the play.)

And remember -- the closer you sit to the stage, the more intense the play will be. As I mentioned before, I was in the back of the balcony and the play was still incredibly difficult to sit through.

Updated On: 6/21/17 at 10:47 AM

3NU said: "To add to what dramamama611, LxGstv, and Lot666 already said...

If plays were to follow the same ratings system as movies do, I would place 1984 squarely in R territory. If you're bringing high school students to this show, I would be wary. Sure, today's high schoolers are likely exposed to a lot of violence in the media they consume, but I would be absolutely upfront about potential triggers, including strobe lights, loud noises, jump scares, high-pitched frequency ringing, gunshots, blood, and torture. (A friend who saw the play with me, who served in the military previously, was triggered at least once during the course of the play.)

And remember -- the closer you sit to the stage, the more intense the play will be. As I mentioned before, I was in the back of the balcony and the play was still incredibly difficult to sit through.





"

Good call on the spoiler toggle, sorry about that... it's fixed!

On a side note, I feel that the further away the more intense the strobe effects are... everyone was complaining about the lights, I was on the first row and I wasn't bothered by it at all...

Matt Rogers said: "Also, they make Olivia Wilde look like a frump. I'm not a fan or a non-fan (and I'm also gay and don't care) but if you decide to cast someone like this, please do not parade her around in a shapeless house dress."

She's playing a woman in a staunchly anti-sexual society in which women parade around in shapeless clothing.

Are you suggesting that sexy actresses like Ms. Wilde shouldn't play such women? That they should only play glamorous or overtly sexy women?