An Operatic Retelling Of Orwell s Dystopian Masterpiece

1984: An Operatic retelling of Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece. Kirstie Wooten Shepherd University Abstract This research looks at the Operatic work 1984 based on the 1949 George Orwell novel of the same name. The research centers on the synopsis of the story, inspirations of both author and composer, performers in the opera, as well as its premiere and review. 1984: An Operatic Retelling of Orwell’s Dystopian Masterpiece. As the history of Opera has progressed, characters have become progressively raw and themes increasingly dark. While Comedic Operas delight and entertain spectators, there is just something about controversial, visceral stories that keep audiences yearning for more. This trend does†¦show more content†¦One running theme of the book is summarized by the haunting government slogan â€Å"Who controls the past...controls the future: who controls the present controls the past† The Party aims to have full control over their people, manipulating anything possible to create mind-washed citizens with blind devotion. A tactic of control is The Party’s ironically named Ministry of Truth; this organization pays workers to sit and edit various aspects of the past to make The Party look good. For example, throughout the book Chocolate rations are constantly being cut, however, it is constantly advertised as increasing—to accomplish this, party members must physically go into previous articles and change previous remarks that The Party has made. It is in this ministry that protagonist works, which Maazel describes more as an â€Å"Anti-hero†. Our anti-hero is a thin and almost sickly middle aged man by the name of Winston. His disapproval of the current system and distain for Big Brother is apparent by his diary writings (which are punishable by torture and death, etc.) that immediately spiraled into a subconscious scribbling of â€Å"DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER†. From the very beginning he is aware that his insubordinate thoughts with eventually lead to his inevitable capture and torture. It is not until he