“I think this play reminds us that we should be putting our faith in the people closest to us and to be true to ourselves”: Neetika Knight on 1984 at Hackney Town Hall

George Orwell’s 1984 is a classic of dystopian fiction, depicting a harrowing world with constant surveillance and a propaganda machine that knows no equals. As it follows the characters Winston and Julia, freethinkers who find themselves doubting the party’s slogans, the novel raises the question of whether truth and affection can exist in a tyrannical superstate.

Neetika Knight plays the role of Julia in Pure Expression’s immersive stage adaptation. A recent graduate from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, she has kindly given The Upcoming an exclusive interview to explore how an immersive production can help transform our understanding of Orwell’s masterpiece.

Hi, thank you for your time. What’s the moment that you decided you wanted to become an actor?

I think I always knew that I wanted to be an actor, although it took me many years to actually take the leap. I was in my second year of my Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Development Studies, when the idea of having a nine-to-five filled me with so much dread that taking that leap looked much more appealing. I finished my degree and then decided I might as well try and do what makes me happy. It was worth it.

What was your relationship with the novel before this production?

I studied it at GCSE and did not take it very seriously; I never liked English. But when I was 18 I picked it up again and thought it was amazing and like everyone preaches, it seemed so relevant. Picking it up a third time for this has only reinforced that feeling.

How has portraying Julia in this production affected the way you read the character?

It’s added so much life to her. In the novel, you’re constantly guessing at what her motives are. Embodying her for this play has allowed me to flesh her out and when I go back to the novel, breathe more life into her and her intentions. It’s been great experimenting during the rehearsal process and I’m very happy with how it’s turned out.

Did you take any inspiration from Suzanna Hamilton’s outstanding performance in the 1984 film?

I have to confess I have never seen the movie. I think if I watched it knowingly or unknowingly, I might try and copy her version rather than make my own choices. Maybe when we are done with the run I’ll give it a go!

What are some of the particular challenges when acting as part of an immersive experience as opposed to traditional theatre and screen?

It’s a lot more nerve-wracking. You really need to know the play and the world you have created and make sure everyone’s on the same page. The audience demands more I feel, and we have to be prepared enough to give that to them. Also, the performance never ends; moving through the building I have to be constantly aware that an audience member might be there, even in the loo! 

What do you hope the audience will take away from this production of 1984?

I think today more than ever it is so easy to get swept up in the opinions of others. Whether that be in the news, on social media or through the TV. And I think more often than not we become obsessed with people that we have never met. I think this play reminds us that we should be putting our faith in the people closest to us and to be true to ourselves.

What are the most significant differences in plot and character between Orwell’s original novel and this production? And why do you feel some drastic changes, at times risky, had to be made?

The production is only an hour and 15 minutes, so naturally we have had to condense the novel to its core. The whole point of this production is to get the audience invested in the characters. With regard to Julia and Winston’s relationship, most of the audience know they are doomed from the start. I think to get the audience to be invested they have to believe that these two individuals are truly in love to have the show’s climax hit home. So the Julia we see is more vulnerable than in the book, still headstrong and mischievous but is truly fighting for Winston’s love so they can be free of society’s control.

Arguably one advantage of novels over theatre and film is the ability to depict thoughts, which is of course a large part of 1984. How does the immersive play tackle those differences?

In Hackney Town Hall we perform in one of their atriums, which has a three-storey bronze wall as the backdrop to our stage. Crewed by our incredible ensemble you see close-ups of characters during scenes projected onto the screen live while the play is going on. Through the manipulation of the cameras and what they show, the audience can follow a second story that heightens the inner thoughts of the characters. It allows the audience to see the show on stage but also get those insights and thoughts of the character that would be written in the book – like live thought bubbles. I think the decision to use audiovisuals really helps elevate the sense of surveillance and danger of the world that Orwell imagines in a modern way.

Do you think Julia and Winston ever stood a chance? Might they, for example, have fled, lived secretly as proles etc?

Honestly, no. But, I think the beauty of that is that they did die trying to fight for something better and make us realise we don’t live in 1984. Yes, we live in societies with similar restrictions and oppression, but our world has far more possibilities. I hope this play inspires people to fight against the corruption and bigotry of this world because unlike them we are not doomed.    

Will we be seeing more of you on stage in the next few years? Do you have your eyes set on anything in particular (or the sort of thing you might want to do)?

Absolutely! I have not got any concrete plans yet but theatre is my first love so I will surely be returning to the stage. I’m at a really interesting point in my career where anything is possible. As I’m so fresh to the industry I feel like no one knows exactly what to expect of me. I want to continue playing strong characters with interesting stories, whether that be on stage or on screen.

What’s a question you wish people asked of you in interviews more often?

Considering this is my second interview I haven’t been bogged down by all the same questions again and again. Give me a couple of years and I’m sure I’ll have an answer then.

Okay, thank you so much for your time!

Michael Higgs
Photo: Maggie Jupe

1984 is at Hackney Town Hall from 1^st October until 22^nd December 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.