Pure Expression today announces an immersive theatrical version of George Orwell’s 1984, adapted for the stage by Adam Taub. Directed by Jem Wall and Richard Hahlo the creators of Hydrocracker Theatre. The production opens at Hackney Town Hall on 26 October with previews from 19 October and runs until 26 November.

This reimagination of 1984, places the audience in the heart of the action. The playwright Adam Taub said today,

“In the era of Google, Amazon and Meta, when our every move is monitored and recorded, there is no more relevant story than 1984.”

Hackney Town Hall is a Grade II listed building which won a RIBA London Award 2018 for its outstanding renovation.

Richard Hahlo added,

“This stunning Art Deco building is the perfect setting for the Ministry of Truth and the show uses all of its grand and hidden spaces. We are really excited that audiences will get to experience Orwell’s warning cry in the civic splendour of Hackney Town Hall.”

It is the age of total surveillance.

Everything you say or do is scrutinised and recorded. Even your innermost thoughts are probed. You cannot be too careful.  In an era when we are tracked, monitored, and influenced, Orwell’s dystopian vision has never been closer to reality. In the magnificent setting of Hackney Town Hall (Grade II Listed, RIBA Award Winner 2018) experience the intensity of George Orwell’s gripping story.  Welcome to the Ministry of Truth.  

Adam Taub adapted 1984 for stage and is the Executive Producer and founder of Pure Expression. 

Previous productions include Frankenstein (UK and US tour), Einstein’s Brain (Grant Museum of Zoology) and The Animated Museum (Jewish Museum in Camden).

Richard Hahlo and Jem Wall co-direct. They are the Co-Artistic Directors of Hydrocracker Theatre where they create immersive site-specific productions including The New World Order (Brighton Festival, Barbican and Shoreditch Town Hall), The Erpingham Camp (Brighton Festival on Brighton Pier), Shakespeare à La Carte (Brighton Festival and BBC Radio 4), Operation Black Antler with Blast Theory (Brighton Festival, Manchester HOME and Southbank Centre) and Who Cares 2032 (Northampton Royal & Derngate).