George Orwell’s 1989: A “Swift” 10 Minute Adaptation by Steven Hayet

TEN MINUTE: In a world where government controls what music can be heard, Winston longs for the freedom to change his tune. A parody of George Orwell’s classic “1984” where Taylor Swift is Big Sister.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

George Orwell’s 1989: A “Swift” 10 Minute Adaptation

Recommended by

  • Luna Taveras:
    18 Jan. 2023
    “ Even though I’ve never read Orwell and I’m not a Swifty, I still love this play! It was so funny and clever and I’d love to work on it. ”
  • David Beardsley:
    2 Jul. 2022
    “ A clever variation on Orwell’s 1984 in which Taylor Swift, AKA Big Sister, controls minds and playlists. A fun and funny satire! ”
  • Emily McClain:
    16 Apr. 2021
    “ This play satirizes Orwell, pop music, and the blind devotion of Taylor Swift fans with precision and pitch-perfect timing. Hayet's keen eye for parody is incredible and I think this would make an excellent supplement to a classroom study of the 1984 novel. Such a fun play! ”
View all 15 recommendations

Character Information

  • WINSTON
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • JULIA
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • O’BRIEN
    Any
    O'Brien written in George Orwell’s novel as male, but can be played by any gender.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • PARTY MEMBER
    Any
    Played by the same actor playing O’Brien.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Theatre Unmasked
    ,
    2021
  • Reading
    ,
    Caravan Theatre
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Millersville University
    ,
    2024
  • University
    ,
    West Texas A&M
    ,
    2024
  • Fringe
    ,
    Short+Sweet Sydney
    ,
    2018
  • High School
    ,
    Peekskill High School
    ,
    2018
  • Fringe
    ,
    Short+Sweet Hollywood
    ,
    2017

Awards

Winner
,
People's Choice - Week 1
,
Short+Sweet Hollywood
,
2017
Semi-Finalist
,
Ten Minute Comedy Contest
,
Rover Dramawerks
,
2017