1984 by George Orwell (2026) Tartu, Estonia

Tartu University Student Theatre, Tartu, Estonia

October 09-10, 2026

In October 2026, H.S. Fernandez's adaptation of 1984 was invited to headline the XII A-Festival in Tartu, Estonia. Having previously staged this production at the intimate black box theatre of the NoName Theatre in Helsinki, the transition to a multi-level, significantly larger venue equipped with state-of-the-art technology presented both a challenge and a source of inspiration for the creative team.

Through countless hours of dedicated effort, the team meticulously developed the blocking and lighting design for the new stage, ultimately testing their concepts at the main stage of the Tartu University Student Theatre in preparation for the festival. Placing actors not only on the main stage but also in the upper catwalks—three levels above—introduced complex challenges regarding stage movement, rhythm, and dynamics. In a performance where timing is crucial to evoke a palpable sense of tension and oppression, even the slightest delay or movement carried significant weight in conveying the narrative's language.

The creative team aimed to make the vertical space of the theatre an integral part of the performance's atmosphere. They strategically employed lighting to accentuate the majestic yet brutally industrial character of the setting, instilling within the audience a profound sense of helplessness and insignificance that mirrored the experiences of the characters in 1984. This innovative approach effectively positioned audience members on equal footing with the protagonists, fostering a powerful sense of empathy between them.

This performance transcended the boundaries of traditional theatre; the team not only sought to captivate the audience but to immerse them—albeit unwillingly—into the unfolding storyline surrounding them. This unique interplay between space, light, and narrative not only transformed the theatrical experience but also inspired a deeper connection between the audience and the compelling themes of the production.

In the midst of Winston's rare moment of peace, as granted by Big Brother, he is haunted by the echoes of his now-past suffering and pain. As he awaits his monthly allotment of drink, memories of torture and mental conditioning flood his mind, but amidst the turmoil, a distant yet persistent memory emerges – a woman, always present in the shadows of his recollections.

Though her face and name elude him, Winston is determined to unravel the mystery of her existence. Was she real, or merely a figment of his imagination? Could she hold the key to his identity and freedom, the missing piece of his fractured mind?

As Winston delves deeper into the recesses of his consciousness, he begins to hold on to the possibility that some part of his mind may remain untouched by the relentless efforts to erase his past. The woman, undefined yet ever-present, becomes a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of pervasive oppression.

In this thought-provoking adaptation of George Orwell's 1984, director, and dramaturg H. Sven Fernandez invites us to confront the inhumanity of modern surveillance societies through the eyes of those who fall prey to its dehumanizing grip. Through Winston's struggle to reclaim his lost memories, we are reminded of the danger of becoming complacent in the face of oppression and accepting it in any form, amount or capacity.

Director, dramaturg

"1984" is a profoundly unsettling tale of two lovers navigating an oppressive totalitarian regime ruled by the ever-watchful Big Brother. This story delves into the struggle for individual and intellectual freedoms, where the fight against an all-encompassing, oppressive system leads to a fate more harrowing than death: the total erasure of individual willpower.

Presented in a modernized format for the stage by H.S. Fernandez, this adaptation of "1984" retained the essence of the original storyline while seamlessly incorporating contemporary elements and events. This innovative blend invited audiences to reflect on the parallels between the original narrative and today’s sociopolitical challenges.

Director H.S. Fernandez and his talented creative team incorporated the story into an interlaced framework that brilliantly combined Grotowski's Poor Theatre, Classical Greek Theatre as well as modernist Brechtian elements, all used effectively to produce a tapestry of layered symbolism and the fractured narrative of a broken mind.

WINSTON - Nicola Bagalá
JULIA - Ernesta Nesta
O'BRIEN - Payam Salarvand
ELDER 1 / SYME - Lotta Haikala
ELDER 2 / THOUGHT POLICE A - Ilona Jalkanen
ELDER 3 / PARSONS - Hakan Kandemir
HOBO - Hampus Wallén
TRAINING OFFICER / PROSTITUTE / THOUGHT POLICE B - Anastasia K
BARTENDER - Jasper Kotiranta

Sound/Light Tech Veeti Jaakkola
Props Manager Evelin Hürlimann
Media Specialist David Martin
Stage Manager Merlin Sauer
Logistics Coordinator Ilona Jalkanen
Assistant Director Jasper Kotiranta
Director, Dramaturg H. S. Fernandez

David Martin @davidmartinmedia
https://www.instagram.com/davidmartinmedia/