Nov
12
By Mia Walker
Long-time local resident, David Elendune is watching his latest project, an adaptation of George Orwell's dystopian view of the future, 1984, come to life as production gets underway on a brand new interpretation of this iconic novel.
The retro future play will make its Canadian theatrical premiere on November 21 and is already causing much buzz and anticipation around Victoria - renamed Victory City in the new venture.
Elendune was attracted by the challenge of bringing the well-known story to the stage and believes it still has much to say about the world, now nearly thirty years on: "This damning indictment on the abuse of power was effectively Orwell's epitaph. It's a novel written in the past, about the future, which warns us about the present."
But there's more to this reworking than the political tale alone, although of course Big Brother will be watching. David was particularly drawn to the seemingly doomed love story of Winston and Julia: "It's what makes this such a human piece," as he ponders the notion - can you stop two people from loving each other?
Trained in theatre in England, David has already won two national BBC awards for his writing. The new '1.9.8.4.' is his sixth play with his other works covering a wide range of subject matter from Sherlock Holmes to vampires to the Trojan Wars. However, this latest undertaking is his first adaptation.
Elendune radiates enthusiasm about 1.9.8.4. Not just because it's another opportunity to see his work put on - his Cold War drama, 'Good Night Uncle Joe' continues to garner international critical acclaim - but also due to whom he's fortunate enough to be working with. Giggling Iguana multi-award winning impresario, Ian Case is producing 1.9.8.4. He's well-loved in Victoria for his company's gothic Halloween-themed events at Craigdarroch Castle. Renowned local director, Roger Carr (Drowsy Chaperone, The Laramie Project) is helming the play and having cast some of the city's brightest and best actors, is keen to answer the question - can love conquer all?
1.9.8.4. plays November 21 - December 1 at the Intrepid Theatre Club, #2-1609 Blanshard. 250-590-6291