Earthquakes in London: cultural context

The play, set in 2010, reflects the concerns and issues plaguing contemporary British society including environmental degradation, disparity in wealth, and political disarray.
Barker explicitly deals with real-world figures and events like David Cameron’s coalition government and climate change.
The contrast between characters representing different socio-economic classes adds to the richness of the cultural context, as it visually shows the disparity in society.

The threat of an impending environmental disaster forms an integral part of the play and reflects the growing concern over climate change in the cultural zeitgeist.
The characters’ response to the forthcoming disaster ranges from denial to fear to helplessness, mirroring society’s complex feelings on climate emergencies.
The play asks its audience to consider the long-term impact of our actions on the planet and future generations, feeding into contemporary discourses on sustainability and accountability.

Various strands of political power and dynamics are explored in the play, reflecting the era’s political landscape.
It includes the struggle between political officers and the public, seen in Sarah’s interactions as MP with her constituents and superiors, as well as within the coalition government.
The play also unveils class and capital struggles, depicted through characters such as Robert and Sarah, who are insulated from the effects of the approaching disaster due to their high societal status.

The complex dynamics between family members, particularly the three sisters (Sarah, Freya, and Jasmine), brings to the fore issues about relationship and family expectations prevalent in contemporary society.
Themes such as pregnancy, domestic roles, sibling rivalry, and personal aspirations are dealt with, showcasing underlying cultural and societal norms.
Interpersonal relationships outside the family, including romantic relationships (Freya and her partner) and friendships (Sarah and Colin), add further layers to the cultural representation of relationship structures.

The use of technology, particularly the role of mobile phones in the play, underline the broader cultural context of technological dependency.
The constant messaging, phone call interruptions, and reliance on digital communication echo cultural developments of the digital age.