Frequently Asked Questions – 1984: An Expressionist Play

1. Is this play based on George Orwell’s 1984?

Yes. 1984: An Expressionist Play is an original theatrical adaptation inspired by George Orwell’s 1984.

The play re-imagines the novel through an Expressionist, ensemble-driven lens, focusing on atmosphere, physicality, immersive-theater, and collective storytelling rather than literal realism.

2. Is 1984: An Expressionist Play suitable for schools?

Yes, it can be this adaptation can be suitable for schools, though it should be geared towards older students.

It has been successfully produced in secondary schools and educational settings and is designed to:

• Encourage critical thinking

• Spark discussion around power, truth, resistance, and conformity

3. What age or grade levels is this play appropriate for?

Performers:

• Performers aged 18 or above would thrive in the challenge of the roles.

• High School aged performers can handle this play well.

• Advanced middle school programs may also find it appropriate with guidance.

Audiences:

• Recommended for Middle School age and up, depending on school context and presentation

Teachers and directors are encouraged to frame the production with classroom discussion or contextual preparation.

4. Does the play contain mature themes?

Yes. As with Orwell’s original work, the play explores:

• Authoritarianism

• Surveillance

• Psychological control

• Resistance and moral choice

These themes are handled both thoughtfully and symbolically. Though the play is does not contain graphic violence, there are psychologically intense scenes and there is visible violence. How graphic the violence is portrayed is largely up to the discretion of the director and the needs of their community. The Expressionist style allows directors to scale intensity up or down based on their students and audience.

5. Does the play include violence or disturbing content?

There are moments of psychological and physical violence, particularly related to interrogation and oppression.

Nothing is written as explicitly graphic. How these moments land depends heavily on:

• Movement choices: E.g. Does the audience see the violence or is it out of view (heard)?

• Lighting and sound: E.g. Does the light or sound cut out to imply the violence rather than show it directly?

• Directorial interpretation: This play is not meant to shock the audience into alertness, clever staging and nuance are encouraged. 

This flexibility allows schools and theater communities to stage the play responsibly.

6. Is this adaptation appropriate for American schools given copyright law?

Yes, with one important note.

Because 1984 is still under copyright in the United States:

• A rewritten version of the “RESISTANCE: Winston’s/Julia’s Torture” scene is provided

• This version avoids direct quotation from Orwell’s text

• U.S.-based schools are required to use this rewritten scene

Outside the U.S., the original version may be used where legally permitted.

7. Why do schools need a license to perform the play?

Licensing ensures that:

• The production is legally authorized

• We know where and when the play is being performed

• Proper credit is given to the authors

• Materials are used responsibly

The license also allows us to support schools and follow productions with interest and care.

8. How much does it cost to license 1984: An Expressionist Play?

Licensing fees are calculated per performance day.

For example (for schools):

• USD $100 per performance day

• Total cost depends on the number of performance dates

Exact fees and terms are outlined in your licensing agreement and invoice.

9. What does the license allow us to do?

A standard educational license allows schools to:

• Perform the play on the approved dates

• Use provided scripts and graphics internally

• Stage the play creatively within the script’s structure

• Promote the production publicly (with correct crediting)

• One archival recording of the play is permitted to be privately shared inside your community (no public links)

The license does not allow:

• Public recording or livestreaming

• Script distribution beyond your institution

• Additional performances without approval

10. Can we reschedule or add performances?

Rescheduling or adding performances is possible, but:

• Prior written approval is required

• Additional fees may apply

This ensures licensing remains clear and fair.

11. How large is the cast?

The play is written for a flexible ensemble, typically:

• 20 performers, you can use doubling or multi-role if needed

This makes the play adaptable to a wide range of program sizes.

12. Is the casting gender-flexible?

Yes. Many roles are:

• Gender-neutral

• Open to reinterpretation

Directors are encouraged to cast inclusively while maintaining clarity of storytelling.

13. Can we cut or adapt the script?

No cuts, rewrites, or additions may be made without prior written approval.

This includes:

• Removing scenes

• Changing dialogue

• Rewriting endings

However, staging, movement, and design interpretation are intentionally open.

14. How long is the play?

This play has 2 "paths": the Resistance and the Ministry. Runtime per path typically ranges from:

• 90–100 minutes, depending on pacing and staging

The Expressionist structure allows some flexibility, but the overall arc should remain intact.

15. Do you provide digital scripts?

Yes.

Schools receive:

• A digital script for internal duplication

• Permission to print or distribute digitally within the school

• Clear guidelines to prevent public sharing

After the production:

• Scripts should be destroyed or kept privately by students as keepsakes

• Scripts must not be uploaded publicly

16. Do you provide promotional materials?

Yes.

Licensing includes:

• Select official graphics/images

• Permission to use them for posters, programs, and online promotion

All promotional materials must follow credit and title guidelines.

17. How must the play be credited?

All promotional materials must clearly state:

“1984: An Expressionist Play by Gersom de Koning and Sherry Wadenholm.”

Additionally:

• The title must appear as “1984: An Expressionist Play”

• “An Expressionist Play” must be no smaller than 25% of the font size of “1984”

• Credits must be clearly legible in print and online

18. Can we record or livestream the performance?

Public recording or livestreaming is not permitted.

Schools and universities may:

• Make one archival recording

• Store it privately within the school’s ecosystem

• Share it only with students, staff, and families

If hosted online, it must be:

• On a private, non-downloadable link

• Available for review upon request

19. Can we post photos or video clips on social media?

Yes.

• Photos: Fully permitted

• Short video clips: Permitted for promotional purposes only

Posting full scenes or full performances is not allowed.

20. Is this play for school use only?

No. It can be performed by schools, colleges, by community theatres, or professional theatres. 

The educational licenses are strictly for:

• Schools

• Universities

• Educational theatre programs

Professional, commercial, or touring productions require a separate agreement.

21. Who wrote 1984: An Expressionist Play?

The play was written by Gersom de Koning and Sherry Wadenholm, theatre-makers and educators with extensive experience in international and school-based theatre education.

22. Can we contact the authors with questions?

Absolutely.

You can reach us via:

• The contact form on this website

• Email: = 1984expressionistplay[@]gmail.com

We’re always happy to support thoughtful, responsible productions.