Should I take my kid to 1984?

[jonah3500]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 8:54am

He is eleven years old, and has seen many intense shows. 

 

I couldn't find any threads about this, so if anybody can find one, please direct me to it.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 8:59am

If he's able to handle gunshots.

[jonah3500]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 9:14am

Are there any scenes that might be innapropriate?

[kreichelt]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 9:16am

I saw it at the ART in Cambridge, and liked it a lot.  However, it's pretty intense and includes a torture scene.  I don't think I'd recommend it for that age. 

Here's are a couple of reviews you might find helpful:

• http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2016/2/24/art-1984-review/
• http://bostoneventsinsider.com/Boston/ARTs-is-Disturbingly-Brilliant-Stars

[jonah3500]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 9:19am

kreichelt said: "I saw it at the ART in Cambridge, and liked it a lot.  However, it's pretty intense and includes a torture scene.  I don't think I'd recommend it for that age. 

"

What kind of a torture scene? He has already read the book.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 9:44am

The play is extremely disturbing and intense. I personally would have been pretty bothered by the play if I had seen it when I was 11, but everyone is different. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 9:55am

Caught it at the ART as well.....and I would not bring an 11 year old to see it.  (And I'm as open/liberal as they come)  Very disturbing.

 

We're going on Saturday (me and my 16 year old), so I'm happy to give it more thought.   Reading and seeing it in front of you are very different.   

 

BTW....the Hudson's website states: "not for children, under 12 at parent's discretion"

Updated On: 5/21/17 at 09:55 AM

[jonah3500]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 9:58am

bwayphreak234 said: "The play is extremely disturbing and intense. I personally would have been pretty bothered by the play if I had seen it when I was 11, but everyone is different. 

 

"

In what way? Is it the torture scene? If so, how do they torture Winston?

[Pippin]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 10:10am

If your kid has read the book, he knows what is in store. Just take him if he wants to see it. 

[VotePeron]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 11:13am

I don't feel like it's my place to advise whether you take him or not, but here is what may detract you from doing so:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

- Multiple, horror movie styled jump scares and loud bangs throughout the evening

- An extremely loud (and frightening) "takeover" scene where the set is dismantled as people holding guns and wearing gas masks flood the stage. There's also a lot of strobe lights. 

- The torture scene is graphic, and shows them about to cut his fingertips off, pull his teeth out, and electrocute him. It blacks out right as they begin to do so, and when the lights come back on, theres a TON of blood.

- Winston screams a lot during the torture, which is where most of the effect hits home. It's very sad to watch. Also extremely disturbing.

 

Also, as an 11 year old, he may just find it extremely boring - as I did (and I see a lot, and am familiar with the book), so keep that in mind.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 11:16am

If he's read the book, he can certainly handle it. 

[LxGstv]

Posted: 5/21/17 at 12:05pm

Regardless of reading the source material, I would say no.

This might contain spoilers... The violence is pretty graphic at some points. Not talking about the torture scene, but during the two minutes of hate we do see someone getting killed, it's done through video projections, but it's very graphic.