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.