An immersive adaptation of a classic novel with outstanding set designsummary
Rating
Ok
Most of us are familiar with Orwell’s classic novel 1984 in some way or another. Pure Expression hosts a reimagining of the tale in Hackney Town Hall, thrusting us into the action straight upon arrival. Each of us are handed an ID badge and ushered into a hall, where this immersive experience seeks to locate us in Orwell’s imagined dystopia through the guise of assessing our loyalty to Big Brother.
From the get go, all the actors remained in character, approaching audience members to opine their love for big brother and recruit us to the ‘anti-sex league’ whilst two women sing upon the main stage. The play begins in earnest when we are welcomed to the Ministry of Truth and informed by O’ Brien (Dominic Carter) that our induction process is about to begin. Ushered up into the council chamber, audience members are indoctrinated into the party through singing the national anthem and speeches with brief moments of participation. Following this, the audience are escorted back to the main hall to witness the treason of Winston (Joe Anderson) and Julia (Neetika Knight) and Winston’s later capture and torture. The torture of Winston takes up a sizeable chunk of the action and whilst uncomfortable is not horrific.
Rather than building an in-depth narrative plot, the play focuses on really underscoring the themes of surveillance, control and power. The inclusion of cameras cleverly controlled by the ensemble, projected onto the screen behind the actors, offered a likeness all too familiar to contemporary culture. This did however make it difficult to see the actors onstage, distracting focus from them and given the graininess of the backdrop, was not as effective as it could have been.
As with much of the play, given its short run time, things are often explained rather than implied, which drastically minimises the rising tension of the action and streamlines the contents of the original novel quite significantly. I would label this experience as immersive quite reluctantly. Yes, there were moments of participation and interaction, but for the most part, the audience are watching as one would a normal play.
That being said, the venue choice and Ruth Badila’s set design is immaculate. Red banners lined the main hall with decorated tables and chairs adding to the ambience. Hackney Town Hall’s art deco architecture lends itself well to a futuristic feeling that adds another layer to the immersive experience and is a fantastic choice to stage the adaptation. However, it must be noted that audience members have to walk up and down stairs as part of the performance, which certainly poses an issue to those with access needs.
Whilst conceptually a brilliant idea, this immersive version of 1984 fails to live up to expectations. Despite the cast’s solid performances and a great set design, the script and staging do not offer the immersive experience promised. Instead, Pure Expression’s 1984 is a shortened version of a classic that leaves you hoping for a little bit more.
Adapted by: Adam Tab
Directed by: Jack Reardon
Produced by: Madeleine Wilson
Lighting design by: Ben Jacobs
Video/ AV by: Dan Light
Sound design by: Munotida Chinyanga
Set and prop design by: Ruth Badila
1984 plays at Hackney Town Hall until 22 December. Further information and bookings available here.
