2084 at Manchester Central Library
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian literary masterpiece, 2084 is an exciting immersive performance set to take over Manchester Central Library. When it was first published in 1949, Orwell’s 1984 shocked readers with its vision of the future. This production revisits Orwell’s startling vision and explores the fragility of our freedom in the modern world.
The show may sound familiar to some; that’s because it piloted at Manchester Central Library earlier this year. The show was well-received by audiences the first time around – now the company have spent some time developing the piece further – it promises to be even more adventurous.
2084 threatens to take its audience into the belly of a totalitarian state that monitors every act, word and thought of its citizens. Striking a haunting resonance with a contemporary audience – in the era of Facebook, Google and Amazon, when everyone is tracked, analysed and influenced – George Orwell’s powerful vision has never felt closer to realisation.
2084 threatens to take its audience into the belly of a totalitarian state
Set at some point in the future where the state claims to be the only guarantor of order, but order only comes at the price of absolute obedience – 2084 tells the story of those who defy the regime and find that their intimate secrets are turned against them with shattering consequences.
An immersive experience, 2084 places the audience at the heart of the narrative.
Billed as an immersive experience, 2084 places the audience at the heart of the narrative. Each spectator must decide what price they would pay to defy a regime that seeks to control them. This unique production is directed by Joe Hufton (Secret Cinema)and features an original soundscape composed by Dom James (Bompass & Barr), as well as a live performance by Manchester soul singer, Charlie Cooper (Needs Must).
The production is presented by Pure Expression Theatre Company, a London-based theatre company that seeks to adapt and present classic stories in unique locations. Following the sell-out success of Pure Expression’s Frankenstein in 2018 and the success of 2084 in February, we’re excited that the performance returns to Manchester Central Library. Don’t leave it too late to get tickets.
