The Staatstheater Darmstadt's production of George Orwell's 1984, adapted by Kristo Šagor, premiered on September 16, 2023, in the Kammerspiele. Directed by Jörg Wesemüller, the play delves into themes of surveillance, manipulation, and the suppression of individual freedoms within a totalitarian regime.

The narrative centers on Winston Smith, portrayed by Thorsten Loeb, who navigates a society under the omnipresent gaze of Big Brother. The ensemble cast, including Mona Kloos, Jasmin-Nevin Varul, Sebastian Schulze, and Karin Klein, brings to life the complex dynamics of a world where dissent is systematically eradicated.

A distinctive feature of this production is the incorporation of a large citizen's choir, representing both the omnipresence of Big Brother and the societal forces that facilitate the rise of a totalitarian state. This element underscores the collective complicity and the pervasive atmosphere of fear and control.

The creative team, comprising set and costume designer Jasna Bošnjak, choreographer Gianni Cuccaro, and composer and video artist Sergej Maingardt, constructs a dystopian reality that resonates with contemporary issues of digital surveillance and the erosion of personal freedoms. The production's integration of choreography and 3D sound design immerses the audience in the oppressive environment depicted in Orwell's novel.

This adaptation of 1984 serves as a poignant reflection on current societal trends, prompting audiences to consider the delicate balance between security and freedom, and the potential consequences of unchecked governmental power.