In conjunction with this weekend’s performance of the stage adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984, Kingsbury Hall is hosting a series of related events, offering students a rare opportunity to discuss the text and explore the themes behind the production with the playwright himself, Michael Gene Sullivan.

Tonight at 7:30 p.m., Kingsbury Hall will hold an event called Book Klub Kaffe Klatsch: An informal evening celebrating our freedom to read and discuss literature.

Students and community members are invited to interact with various members of book clubs in an open discussion of Orwell’s novel, lead by Sullivan.

Sheri Jardine, public relations associate to Kingsbury Hall, said students who are currently reading the novel, or freshmen who have recently read it in high school, will find the event to their liking, as Sullivan will be highlighting key passages within the book.

“Students interested in politics or current events may be interested because we will also be discussing the ways in which the book continues to be relevant in our society today,” Jardine said.

“Also,” she said, “writing or theatre students will be interested in attending because Michael Gene Sullivan will be talking about the challenges of adapting a novel into a stage play and the differences and similarities (between) the two mediums.”

A reading from the play will also be presented at Book Klub by some of the company members from The Actors’ Gang.

“Those who attend the book discussion may have a greater appreciation of the performance this weekend because the discussion may bring to light aspects of the book that they may not previously have discovered,” Jardine said.

Sullivan, who is visiting Salt Lake City to generate discussion and thought around his adapted play, participated in a radio event held at the Hinckley Institute of Politics yesterday, offering additional insight into the novel.

“He mentioned that although there are many similarities in the (novel and play) to the current political administration, past administrations have also abused power and used fear to control the press and the masses,” Jardine said of yesterday’s event.

“It was an interesting discussion,” she said, “and I think that people who heard (Monday’s) radio program and also attend this book group discussion will leave the performances with a better understanding of what they have seen.”

Book Klub Kaffe Klatsch is a free event, with complimentary coffee and pastries served to those in attendance. Reservations are required; please contact Sheri Jardine at 801-585-1556. Free parking is available at the Rice Eccles stadium lot.