Author: Kristen Finlay

1. Who are you and what is your role in the production? My name is Rebecca Bissonnette and I play Parsons in 1984. Parsons is an interesting character in the sense that she remains consistent to who she is, even when it threatens her life. She is loyal to Big Brother at absolutely any cost. While 1984 is a fairly dark play and Parsons definitely has dark moments, she’s also in some of the light-hearted, sillier moments of the play. She helps allow the audience to stop holding their breath for a few moments.
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? My very first show was here at Walterdale – Ravenscroft in the 2015/2016 season. And I’ve been going full speed ahead ever since!! At Walterdale, I’ve assistant directed two shows – The Sunset Syndrome and The Light in the Piazza; and performed in The Triangle Factory Fire Project last season. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with so many incredible companies over the past 4 years – it’s been one wild ride to be able to sing, dance and act my way into so many stories. I caught the performance bug so hard that I began my own production company in November – DEPTH Perception Productions.
3. Why did you come out for the show? I’m generally known for being more joyful, carefree and fun, none of which are characteristics that Parsons possesses. I always find it entertaining to work with a role that is quite different than who I am as a person. While there are similarities between us, there are far more differences, which are so intriguing to play with. When I saw the season notice for Walterdale’s season for this year, I was working on Spamalot – Camelot is a far cry from Oceania. The two shows couldn’t be more different and I wanted the challenge of being able to get really dark, brutally honest and hauntingly real.
4. Why do you think audiences should come see the show? 1984 is a lot more like 2020 then some of us would like to admit. It’s chilling to think how far we’ve come in so many ways, and yet how backwards we’ve gone in so many others. The thoughtful way that this play has been approached has given this story so many layers, instead of just hitting the audience over the head with fear. Every single character (just like every single human) has a voice that demands to be heard and without even just one of them, the story would be lost. This cast has worked their butts off to ensure that every single detail has meaning and to create the authenticity of Oceania so that the audience is able to be in the moment. We’ve been able to do so because of our fearless leader, director Monica Roberts. Her vision is so well- articulated, her passion so strong and her care for her cast – she’s nothing short of a blessing.
5. 1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? The Handmaid’s Tale is absolutely terrifying. To create such a chilling world where women have zero rights, gets me more outraged with every episode. It’s even scarier to know that some of these “tales” are being brought forth in the present and it’s still so challenging to simply be a woman. We all could channel a little more bad-ass June in our lives.

1. Hi! Who are you and what is your role on this show? I am Monica Roberts and I am the Director for this production of 1984.
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have a BFA in Theatre from the University of Windsor and a B’Ed in Drama education. I have been involved with Walterdale since 1995 (and clearly was just a child at the time).
3. Why did you want to direct this show? I believe it is a cautionary tale. After experiencing the rise of many tyrannical political regimes (Russia, Germany, Italy) he (George Orwell) felt compelled to write 1984. I bring this production forward out of my concern for the rise of hate and repression at home and the world. 
4. Why do you think audiences should come see the show? There are important themes, beautiful performances, and stunning designs in this show. I am proud of 1984 and grateful to everyone that has helped it come to life.
5. 1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? 1984, Of course! I also felt powerfully moved by Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. When I first read the novel I was struck by how close it felt to reality. This was around the time of the Polytechnique massacre and the debate around legalized abortion in Alberta. It all heightened my awareness of my vulnerability as a women and the lesson I internalized was that I can never let politics be a spectator’s sport.

Hi! Who are you and who are you playing in 1984? My name is Andrew Mecready and I am playing O’Brien in 1984.  O’Brien is a member of the Inner Party of Oceania, a very powerful figure in the Party hierarchy.  He is extremely intelligent; he can be quite congenial, but he can also be ruthless with those he deals with.  The character of Winston suspects that O’Brien shares his hatred of the Party and of Big Brother, and gradually develops a closer relationship with him.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been acting on stage for years:  My first role was as Sir Joseph Porter in my Grade 6 production of HMS Pinafore.  My first Walterdale show was in 1986, playing Slender in The Merry Wives of Windsor.  Since then I’ve done numerous performances here.  Some of my favourites include playing Polonius in Hamlet, Duke Felmet in Wyrd Sisters, and Renfield in Dracula. 

What brought you out for the show? I auditioned for 1984 because I hadn’t done any theatre in a while, and I was intrigued about what a stage production of 1984 would be like.  I haven’t been disappointed; Monica, our director, has made some very bold choices for the characters and for the visual style of the play, and I think audiences will be very impressed with what we as a creative team have put together here.

Why do you think people should come see the show? Even though it was written 70 years ago, 1984 remains very relevant, perhaps even more so now.  We live in world where some of the things George Orwell described in the book seem to have become a reality: electronic surveillance, despotic leaders using fear and intolerance to maintain power, and the use of social media to distort facts and spread misinformation are all real problems in our society.  I hope that audiences who come to see this show will be able to draw parallels between Orwell’s world and our own.  Plus, i want everyone to see how cool the show looks and sounds, not to mention all the kick-ass acting going on!

What’s your favourite dystopian movie or novel? My favourite dystopian novel (other than 1984) is Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.  It’s a chilling look at a future America where books are banned (and burned).  As with 1984, there are some parallels to be drawn with our current society, especially in regards to our increasing addiction to electronic media.  My favourite dystopian film, however, is probably Brazil, which imagines future world that is part 1984 and part Monty Python–which makes sense given that it`s directed by Monty Python member Terry Gilliam.  It`s both hilarious and horrific–sometimes both at once. 

Hi! Who are you and what is your role in 1984? My name is Jezec Sanders, and I play the role of the fitness loudspeaker in one of the video segments of the show. When you see a guy in a bright red shirt, instructing the characters not to bend their knees, you’ll know that’s me.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first show at Walterdale, and it’s a credit I’m very proud to add to my short resume. My background in theatre is limited to productions in the Fringe festival, which I have done for the past three years. One of the goals I set for myself in 2019 was to be a part of at least one show outside of the Fringe, so when I saw the posting for auditions for 1984, I scoured the U of A library for a copy of the show, and started reading! 

Why do you think audiences should come to the show? Surprisingly, I was never required to read the novel 1984 in high school. But after reading the play, I understand why it is studied in most high schools. The themes of surveillance and deceit are even more poignant today than they were 70 years ago; all one has to do is look at the antics of a certain neighboring government, and the parallels become abundantly clear. I feel audiences will have a deeper connection with the messages of this show because of this fact.

1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? And, because it was asked, my favourite dystopian future is the one depicted in Mad Max: Fury Road, because I love the aesthetics of that film. While our current society may resemble the dystopian future described by Orwell, at least it’s not a post-apocalyptic wasteland…yet. 

Who are you and what is your role in the production?
I’m Murriel and I play Julia in 1984. Julia portrays herself as a loyal Party member who turns out to be a thought criminal who hates everything that Big Brother and the Party represents. She is passionate yet cunning with a rebellious spirit to do anything it takes to survive.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I made my acting debut at the Walterdale in The Attic, the Pearls, and Three Fine Girls in the spring of last year. It was such an amazing experience being on stage that I decided I’d try it again. I think I’m hooked!

Why do you think audiences should come see the show? I feel like 1984 is such an important novel for our generation with a clear message: question everything. I feel like we are just now starting to question what we’ve been told is “right” or “normal” because for so long, we were taught to accept what is digestible and easy as the truth. We need to question everything so as not to become complacent when it comes to the news or policies that affect us civilians every day. In our show, audiences will be able to see what happens when nobody questions anything (in a very extreme fashion). Buckle up, comrades!

1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This is a tough read to stomach as a woman, especially in a time of #MeToo, but so much of what Atwood has written parallels the economic and political structure today in terms of feminism (or lack there of) and how it affects women. 

Who are you and what is your role in the production? My name is Martin Stout and I play Big Brother, the omniscient and infallible supreme ruler of Oceania. Although it’s the smallest role in the the play, Big Brother’s presence looms very large throughout. Despite this, Oceanians really know nothing about him personally, so I speculate that he (and Goldstein) may be a double for a deceased original, or an invented and scripted figurehead, or even an artificial intelligence with only a virtual existence.  

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale?I’ve been involved in community theatre in Beaumont since 1993. My first performance at Walterdale was as Mr. Pinchwife in the Country Wife in 2001. I directed Lady Windermere’s Fan here in 2016. My most recent role was as the heavenly voice of God in Altar Boyz. So I’m sensing a type casting trend in my appearances now. Perhaps it’s my English accent! 

Why did you come out for the show? Why did you want to do it? This must be the easiest job in the show as I have very few lines and my performance is entirely video recorded. However, it’s just great to have the chance to play the face of oppressive, authoritarian dictatorship. I generally relish any opportunity to play villains or antagonists because of the freedom this confers to behave and speak as I could never do in the real world; to try to put myself into a mindset that is diametrically opposed to my own. 

Why do you think audiences should come see the show?1984 is a timeless drama of individual freedom versus the conformity of all-pervasive, oppressive state control. It has certainly acquired renewed currency in the 21st century: the era of fake news, political leadership cults and everybody carrying their own personal electronic self-monitoring device 24/7. Monica’s choices for the staging, set and costumes of this show will be both visually arresting and frighteningly believable. It’s going to be epic!       

1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why?I have a great liking for dystopian fiction, so there are many titles for me to choose from. My choice for favourite dystopian novel would be A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. Like 1984 it plays with our use of the English language to symbolize meaning and so questions what we think we know – real horrorshow ! It seems to foretell an future that is only just around the corner, but somehow never quite arrives. Burgess also created a stage version which I once saw performed at the Barbican Theatre in London. Perhaps, the time has now come for Walterdale to re-stage it?    

1. Who are you and what is your role in the production? My name is Evalena Marsten and I play the role of Gladys. Gladys is a child who is a part of the spy organization for the Government and she will turn anyone in!
   
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first Walterdale production, but I have been acting since I was 5.  I have done productions with Festival Players, Edmonton Pops Orchestra, Broadway Bound, and the Edmonton Fringe as well as many, many class productions! I also sing in a cabaret as a soloist and in the ensemble and I compete in dancing and singing also.
   
3. Why did you come out for the show? Why did you want to do it? I LOVE performing! Performing lets me pretend to be other people and it is so much fun. I love getting to know my cast mates and building a team together.
   
4. Why do you think audiences should come see the show? They should see the show because the actors are amazing and everyone has worked really hard!
   
5. 1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? I am 9 years old and I have watched Hunger Games but that is the only dystopian movie I have been allowed to see! It was kind of frightening!