1984: Detailed Content Warnings

Like the novel, this new stage adaptation of 1984 deals with distressing themes around totalitarianism, mass surveillance and torture. The production is unflinching in its commitment to confront these themes, while being mindful of impact on audience experience. 

We have created the following content warnings for audiences who would like to understand more about what to expect. Some themes are spoken about rather than directly shown, while others form part of the live action, sound or visual world of the production. 

Sensory notes

• Loud and distorted sounds with sudden changes in volume  

• Blackout moments where the stage and auditorium will go dark

Violent themes 

• Scenes of physical torture 

• Blood, including depictions of someone coughing blood 

• Death and suicide, including descriptions of mass hanging and the death of a child. 

• War and bombing, including descriptions of a bombing involving a boat 

• Exploitation and forced labour, including a reference to slave labour 

Sexual themes 

• References to sexual violence, including  conversations referencing rape and sexual assault 

• Descriptions of violent pornography and disturbing sexual imagery 

• Graphic descriptions of sexual violence, including one reference to glass being inserted into a person’s vagina 

• References to a threesome and the presence of a sex toy 

Additional themes 

• Distressing depictions of power and control, including characters pleading for their lives