After captivating audiences with sold-out performances last June, “1984,” the theatrical adaptation of George Orwell’s famous novel, returns to Teatro Espressivo in October with a season that promises to be even more intense, disruptive, and timely.
Directed by Carlos Salazar Zeledón and based on the adaptation by Paul Stebbings and Phil Smith, this production combines a political thriller, a forbidden love story, and a profound reflection on power, language, and resistance.
“1984” is not just a show: it is an audiovisual stage device that fuses theater, mechatronics, and video mapping to immerse the audience in the oppressive atmosphere of Orwell’s world.
1984: A Timely and Necessary Story
Published in 1949, “1984” has become the quintessential dystopia. Today, in the midst of the era of digital surveillance, information manipulation, and the erosion of individual freedom, its message is more urgent than ever.
The plot follows Winston Smith, an official at the Ministry of Truth in the fictional Oceania, who dares to challenge the omnipresent Big Brother and falls in love with Julia. In a world where the Thought Police monitor every gesture and even love is a subversive act, Winston faces the fundamental question: is it possible to resist without losing one’s humanity?
Director Carlos Salazar explains:
The production is not a historicist reconstruction, but rather a critical look from our present. In times of social media, digital banality, and narrative control, 1984 directly challenges us: it is not a future warning, but an urgent call to recover critical thinking and freedom.
Second Season with Improvements
This new season incorporates significant artistic and technical improvements:
The director has deepened the performances, emphasizing the protagonist’s discontent and the emotional burden of all the characters.
On a technical level, lighting adjustments were made that intensify the play’s oppressive atmosphere.
A new stage resource has been added: live facial recognition, which reinforces the technological component and the sense of constant surveillance, adding an extra layer of realism and relevance to the show.
Natalia Rodríguez, General Manager of Teatro Espressivo, stated:
Achieving a sold-out drama in Costa Rica is not easy, and we are very happy that 1984 has done so, mainly because of the message it conveys and the reflection it inspires. That’s why we decided to present it again, because we know that many missed out on seeing it.
Creative Team of 30 Professionals
The production features a top-notch Costa Rican cast:
Winston Washington as Winston Smith,
Francella Lizano as Julia,
Ether Porras as O’Brien,
Vivian Bonilla as Mavis,
Adolfo Gómez as Parsons, and
Jeremy Flores as one of the torturers, among other characters.
They are joined by an artistic and technical team of more than 30 professionals: audiovisual scenic design by Gustavo Abarca, lighting by Andrea Charod, set design by Ignacio Pérez, original music by Carlos Escalante, and costumes by Malory Grillo.
A Return with Actions that Invade the City
This second season expands the experience beyond the theater:
Urban interventions and QR codes in public spaces with the message: “Are you free? Scan here.”
Security camera-style videos and reels with the slogan “Big Brother never left.”
Mapping and projections to remind us that Big Brother’s gaze is everywhere.
Iconic phrases from the play that will leap from literature to the digital and urban space.
Season Details
Dates: October 3-19 (except October 4).
Schedule: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. / Sunday, 6 p.m.
Location: Espressivo Theater. Momentum Pinares Shopping Center, Curridabat.
General price: ₡13,000 (+ VAT and service charges).
Special youth price (18-25 years): 18% discount on the base price (+ VAT and charges).
Recommended: Show for ages 15 and up.
Tickets: www.espressivo.cr / WhatsApp 6360-9158 / Tel. 2267-1818.
In addition, there will be performances for students as part of the Espressivo Foundation’s “Al teatro con Espressivo” program. To schedule one of these performances, please contact the following email address: [email protected]
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Wilmer Useche
