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.

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.

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

Recommended by

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

    A clever variation on Orwell’s 1984 in which Taylor Swift, AKA Big Sister, controls minds and playlists. A fun and funny satire!

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

    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!

    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!

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

    This is a terrific comedy mashup. In 10 minutes, audiences will enjoy a pleasant spoof of George Orwell's "1984" and a biting satire on the ever-extended presence of pop music, its creators and fandom.

    Steven Hayet is masterful here. Readers and audiences will immediately tell that Hayet enjoys Orwell's novels, but they'll also note the critiques toward pop culture. It's really a delicate balance to achieve: not so mean-spirited that the story turns ugly, but also not so lightweight that it's just piffle.

    "George Orwell's 1989: A 'Swift' 10 Minute Adaptation" is fun and has a point of view....

    This is a terrific comedy mashup. In 10 minutes, audiences will enjoy a pleasant spoof of George Orwell's "1984" and a biting satire on the ever-extended presence of pop music, its creators and fandom.

    Steven Hayet is masterful here. Readers and audiences will immediately tell that Hayet enjoys Orwell's novels, but they'll also note the critiques toward pop culture. It's really a delicate balance to achieve: not so mean-spirited that the story turns ugly, but also not so lightweight that it's just piffle.

    "George Orwell's 1989: A 'Swift' 10 Minute Adaptation" is fun and has a point of view.

    read more
    ”
View all 14 recommendations

Character Information

  • WINSTON
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • JULIA
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • O’BRIEN
    O'Brien written in George Orwell’s novel as male, but can be played by any gender.
    Any
  • PARTY MEMBER
    Played by the same actor playing O’Brien.
    Any

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

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