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ANIMAL FARM
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ABOUTTHE SHOW |
This year's Fall Play is a stage adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel. This historical allegory about the Russian Revolution, the early days of the Soviet Union and Stalin's rise to power resonates with freshness, as it explores the tragic fate of Manor Farm, when the animals rise up to create a society built on the ideals of fairness, equality and community.
The play takes place on the Manor farm, where the alcoholic human farmer Mr. Jones has been mistreating the animals and mismanaging the farm. At the urging of Old Major, a boar held in high esteem by the animals, the residents of the farm take matters into their own hands, oust Mr. Jones, and rename the farm “Animal Farm.” Led by two young pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, the new community establishes a society built on egalitarian principles, universal education, and long-missing economic efficiency. But soon the elation of their utopia gives way to doctrinal squabbles, propaganda fights, and vicious power plays, and everyone scrambles to choose the right side or be swept away by the tide of corruption growing in the center of their idyllic community. The production does not attempt to shoehorn the play into one particular interpretation or historical setting. The corruption of power is a timeless theme, and Orwell’s framing of the story as a fairy tale taking place among animals ironically highlights the struggle of human nature at the root of the play. Making the show happen has engaged the efforts of more than just the cast of 26 actors. Over 75 students are part of the backstage crew: building and painting scenery, making costumes, creating lighting and sound effects, constructing props and working as production assistants. |
Animal Farm is produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Co. of Woodstock, IL
