Giving a voice to doublespeak

Orwell is a key author for the English Language and Literature department, with ‘Animal Farm’ being studied in Grade 9, and ‘1984’ an integral text in DP. 

Students filled the aula for the show and were fully immersed in Oceania’s society of fear-based control, surveillance, mass conformity, love, betrayal, and hate. For the students, there were rich seams of value in seeing the show. Grade 9 students were able to visualise Orwell’s warning of totalitarianism and unchecked power, while Upper School students were able to appreciate the essence of this novel through dramatic conventions. Grade 12 were able to use the opportunity as a means to revise for their upcoming exams, Grade 11 had the story brought to life in front of them, and Grade 10 had a sneak peek of one of the key texts they will tackle in DP1. 

Students were positive after the performance, not just about the actors, lighting, sound, and set, but how “engaging and immersive the story was”, with some saying it was “a real eye opener”, and others stating they “appreciate how controlling society can be.” Some thought "it was so freaky to see someone always watching at the telescreens and there was nowhere to be alone, even when you were at home."

Students who have read ‘Animal Farm’ now believe “Orwell is low-key kinda cool.” One Grade 11 stated, “It was really striking how the atmosphere of fear and conformity was translated on stage. It made it easier to understand just how oppressive the world of the novel is.”  The same student went on to say. “even though it was written decades ago, ideas like mass surveillance, manipulation of information, and the influence of authority feel very recognisable in modern society.”

The performance was possible thanks to an award from the SIS Spirit Fund. This is the School's annual fund, which exists to provide, amongst other things, opportunities such as this that enrich the student experience. You can discover more about the fund – and make a donation – at https://sisconnect.se/supportus