Steven Knight, the creator of 'Peaky Blinders,' explores the gritty world of 1880s London in his latest series, 'A Thousand Blows.' Inspired by actors Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, the show delves into the bare-knuckle boxing scene, revealing the diverse communities forged amidst class struggles and racism. Knight's narrative emphasizes that while societal divisions exist, common experiences of hunger and hardship unify people across backgrounds. The plot revolves around two Jamaican friends, Hezekiah and Alec, as they navigate this challenging environment, highlighting historical transitions in the boxing world and the cultural melting pot of Victorian London.
Steven Knight stated, 'Victorian London was the capital of the world...you literally had to fight to survive.' He aims to depict a raw picture of that era.
Knight emphasized, 'The issue in this show isn't so much gender or race, it's class. The things that are held in common by people...are far greater than the divisions.'
Hezekiah and Alec's story highlights the cultural melting pot of 1880s London, showcasing how they face racism yet find acceptance in their struggles.
The show's focus on bare-knuckle boxing represents a historical transformation in the sport, as it transitions to the more gentlemanly art of pugilism.
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