Gamm Hosts Humanities Discussions Surrounding Staging of Orwell's 1984

The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) invites the public to participate in an exciting series of humanities discussions surrounding the staging of1984 by George Orwell. The U.S. premiere of British playwright Nick Lane's new adaptation of the landmark novel will serve as the jumping off point for three Pawtucket Humanities Forums focusing on the work's never-ending relevance, including the influence of mass media on daily life.

The forums, under the umbrella title "Big Brother in Our Hip Pocket: Why Orwell Still Matters," will be moderated by University of Rhode Island political scientist Maureen Moakley. The events follow Sunday matinee performances of 1984. (Show attendance is encouraged but is not required to attend.) 

The series is open to the public at no charge thanks to major funding and support from theRhode Island Council for the Humanities, an independent state affiliate of The National Endowment for the Humanities. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS  

• Big Brother in Our Hip Pocket:  Social Media, Smartphones, and the End of Privacy
  Sunday, May 6, 4:30 p.m. 

Ryan Trimm, Professor of English and Film Media at the University of Rhode Island will examine modern society's eagerness to leave behind the concept of privacy in favor of constant connectivity.  

• Orwell on His Own Terms: Creating the World of 1984
  Sunday, May 13, 5:00 p.m.

Daniel J. Leab, Ph.D., Professor of History, Seton Hall University, and author of "Orwell Subverted: the CIA and the Filming of Animal Farm" (Penn State University Press, 2008) will engage the audience in a far-reaching discussion on the political landscape that influenced Orwell's great work, his prescience regarding future political and cultural shifts, and his continuing influence on our vernacular.

• 1984 in 2012: Surveillance and Oversight
  
  Sunday, May 20, 5:00 p.m. 

A discussion comparing Orwell's dystopian vision of totalitarianism with the current realities of the curtailing of individual liberties and privacy since September 11, 2001. Guest scholars:Elise Morrison, Ph.D., Preceptor in Expository Writing and Associate Director for Speaking Instruction, Harvard University, and Ian Reyes, Professor of Communications, University of Rhode Island.

Seating for these events is very limited. Please call 401-723-4266 ext. 10 to reserve your seatstoday. Show tickets may be purchased at gammtheatre.org or 401-723-4266.