Immersive 1984, Hackney Town Hall Review (2024)
Written by Danai for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
George Orwell’s 1984 is a classic must-read that has been adapted into theatrical productions numerous times. In Jack Reardon’s Immersive 1984, the core essence of Orwell's book remains intact, but the approach to engaging the audience takes on a unique twist, inviting everyone to shed their real identities and immerse themselves in the dystopian world of Orwell’s imagination.
Hackney Town Hall transforms into "The Ministry of Truth" for this immersive show, where each visitor becomes a "party member" and an essential participant in its Orwellian life. Upon arrival, visitors are given color-coded ID cards and find themselves gathered at what seems like a concert. Here, a party member distributes leaflets for an "Anti-Sex League" and takes note of everyone who agrees to join. The setup feels immersive and genuine, priming the audience for a unique experience.
Up until the point where visitors are led to follow Ministry of Truth members to a meeting room, every detail heightens anticipation. I found myself closely observing small details, feeling as if "Big Brother" was indeed watching and that I might be questioned later on what I’d noticed. This created a strong sense of being truly observed and added an edge to the experience.
The production also uses real-time video and camera tricks to emphasize the ever-present surveillance in Orwell's world. These live recordings projected on the walls reinforced the idea that everyone is always watched, though, at times, the lighting made these projections difficult to see. Despite this minor flaw, the visual technique served its purpose of enhancing the immersive quality.
However, the pacing was a drawback. Just as the audience felt ready to participate, the production would pivot into lengthy, passive segments that interrupted the engagement. At one point, we were abruptly called upon by an actor to assist him on stage, but by then, the shift back to audience involvement felt disjointed. Immersive productions thrive on seamless transitions between passive and active moments, and here, the lack of clear cues left viewers unsure whether they were expected to act or simply observe. This inconsistency lessened the impact of the experience.
The setting, the talent of the actors, and the design of the show set high expectations. Yet, despite these promising elements, Immersive 1984 didn’t fully impress. The immersive concept felt underutilized and limited, missing the chance to create a truly engaging and memorable experience. Merely positioning the show in an intriguing location and labelling it “immersive” isn’t enough to leave a lasting impact. The actors’ dedication and the set design brought potential, but the production itself fell short of delivering the depth and interactivity that an adaptation of 1984 demands.
At Hackney Town Hall until 22 December 2024.
★★
