Although the multimedia approach to theater, combining film, slide projections, music (both live and recorded) and sound montages, is over a century old, use of this technique still remains surprisingly sporadic (in the D.C. area, at least). Of the few local troupes that utilize multimedia staging on a regular basis, it is safe to say that no one does it better than Catalyst Theater Company.
For a prime example, one need look no further than Catalyst’s current offering, a stage version of “1984,” adapted by Christopher Gallo from George Orwell’s classic 1949 novel. Directed by Jim Petosa and presented in Catalyst’s spacious new digs at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, this is an absolutely jaw-dropping and downright scary sci-fi thriller.
Like Orwell’s earlier 1945 book “Animal Farm,” “1984” is a scathing indictment of the totalitarianism of the Soviet Union. (The novel’s all-seeing, all-knowing authority figure, Big Brother, is a deliberate caricature of Joseph Stalin.)
Set in the future (guess which year) dystopian dictatorship of Oceania, “1984” tells the story of Winston Smith (Scott Fortier), a minor government functionary, who has misgivings about serving The Party. His doubts are reinforced when he begins an illicit romance with fellow bureaucrat and rebel sympathizer Julia (Laura C. Harris), which eventually leads to their imprisonment and torture by the Thought Police.
The actors all give exemplary performances, especially Fortier (his physical contortions in the torture scenes rival his work as “The Elephant Man”) and Ian LeValley as sinister Party official O’Brien. O’Brien, who alternates between being the good cop and the bad cop while interrogating Smith, is one of literature’s great heavies and LeValley is wonderfully malignant in the role.
Equally invaluable to the production’s success are Michael D’Addario’s stunning video designs, James Kronzer’s imposingly antiseptic white set, Pei Lee’s costumes, Andrew Cissna’s lighting and James Konicek’s voice work as the omnipresent and inescapable telescreen announcer.
This is live theater at its most exciting. And at just 10 bucks a pop, Catalyst’s “1984” gives you more bang for your buck than any other show in town.
(If you go: Catalyst Theater Company’s “1984”; Through Oct. 5; The Atlas Performing Arts Center; 1333 H. St., NE, Washington; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; $10; 202-494-3776; www.catalysttheater.org.)
