SHERMAN — Orwellian London in 1984 is a dark, disturbing and dangerous place. Its essence is captured in Sherman Playhouse’s current production of George Orwell’s 1984, adapted by Robert Owens, Wilton E. Hall, Jr and William A. Miles, Jr.  This dramatic, expository piece was immaculately directed by Kevin Sosbe.

Winston Smith, played by Alex Echevarria, is a comrade in the party of Big Brother, as are almost all of the characters. They had better be. The action follows Mr Smith through a relationship which evolves with Julia (Carly Phypers). It seems like love, but is it really?  Nothing can be trusted in these environs.

At first Winston believes that Julia has watched him because she is a member of the Thought Police. Or the Face Police, or perhaps one of the other multitudes of agencies which ceaselessly track all comrades, searching for the merest evidence of disloyalty to the Party. Through these various agencies, the powers that be control every aspect of life in the territories under their jurisdiction. Winston is determined to join the rebellion led by Goldstein, a phantom voice with a message of revolt.

Winston’s colleagues, Parsons (Kit Colbourn) and Syme (Bruce Tredwell), display unfailing devotion and enthusiasm for the party, which is what is continuously demanded by two loudspeaker women (Denise James and Vicki Sosbe) as they channel Big Brother. Winston waivers and as he falls under the spell of Julia his trust of inner party member O’Brien, played by Viv Berger, grows. This leaves him vulnerable. The party knows all and they will always win. Their tactics know no boundaries and their system is impenetrable. On a human level, Winston’s journey is tortuous and draining.

Other cast members include a fittingly perky coffee vendor played by Maya Daley; henchmen type tough guy guards played by Steve Scott and Chris Marker;  Parsons’s pesky 14-year-old daughter Gladys (Mary-Genevieve Maison), who has all the right tools to turn in anyone who steps out of line; and the quirky proletariat landlady who barely manages outside the fray, played by Noel Desiato.

This cast and crew have worked very hard to bring this challenging piece to life. The performance of Alex Echevarria carries the emotional load of this play on its back. He has met the demands of physically and mentally projecting the excitement in his character’s unrealistic goals and the depths of despair he reaches in the nadir of his transition.

Bruce Tredwell gives a rich performance as Syme, the antidote to the darkness.  He maintains congeniality amid the stifling suspicion.

As Parsons, Kit Colbourn is focused and dutiful in her party loyalty. She gives her character an unquestioning sensibility that plays well.

A standout performance by Noel Desiato as the landlady must be mentioned. She has infused her character with a distractedness that betrays her wisdom.  She is both disturbing and charming.

The set and the costumes are all uniform, steel, black and grey contributing to the penitentiary atmosphere created by the control of the party. This bleak imagery comports with the story line and thematic elements of Orwell’s plot. Once the humanity that makes people capable of thinking, feeling, caring, creating and connecting is eliminated, all color and texture are lost.

Winston declares that the “dreams we had, no big brother can take away.” This play throws doubt on that claim. This is theater in its capacity as political commentary.  It is thought provoking, unsettling and brave.

This is a valuable and worthwhile effort that should not be missed.

Performances continue weekends through May 3 at The Sherman Playhouse, 5 Route 39 North. For tickets and other information, visit shermanplayers.org or call 860-354-3622.