Olivia Wilde's new play, an adaptation of George Orwell's 1984, has been getting a lot of publicity. According to The Hollywood Reporter, throughout the play's previews, audience members have been known to faint, throw up, scream, and get into fights. So why are members of the public having such a strong reaction to the material?
Of the extreme reactions, Wilde said, "I'm not surprised, since this experience is unique, bold and immersive. It allows you to empathize in a visceral way, and that means making the audience physically and emotionally uncomfortable." Clearly, the play is having the desired effect on patrons, then.
Welcome to Broadway, @oliviawilde! #stagedoorselfie #oliviawilde #revisedtruth #1984play #1984 #georgeorwell https://t.co/4VI7tyGkYQ pic.twitter.com/Lg9WNiBEWcMay 27, 2017
In fact, Wilde hopes that 1984 will make audiences consider the current political climate. She said, "I hope this show makes people question everything they're being told. All we're saying is, the truth matters."
Director Robert Icke supported Wilde's viewpoint, and said, "You can stay and watch or you can leave—that's a perfectly fine reaction to watching someone be tortured. But if this show is the most upsetting part of anyone's day, they're not reading the news headlines. Things are much worse than a piece of theater getting under your skin a little bit."
A post shared by LeAnna (@melismaticdiva)
A photo posted by on
While not for the squeamish, 1984 has been getting great reviews, with Variety claiming it's "worth the cost of losing your lunch." Wow.
After all, we live in terrifying times, in which reality is often scarier than fiction. The Broadway show is just hoping to highlight some of the injustices happening in the world right now.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
-
'Baby Reindeer' Is Netflix's Latest Viral Hit—Will It Get a Season 2?
The miniseries from Richard Gadd has a very definite ending.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Unisex Perfumes Were Made to Be Shared
Yours, mine, and ours.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
The Spice Girls’ Mini-Reunion at Victoria Beckham’s 50th Birthday Party Is a Precursor for a Forthcoming Tour, Sources Say
“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want”...is this to be true.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
22 Captivating Films About Royal Life
Once you've finished 'The Crown,' cue up one of these royally good films.
By Nicole Briese Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published