Earthquakes in London: Set design (revolves, trucks, projection, multimedia, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, flying)

Earthquakes in London: Set Design

Revolves and Trucks

Revolves are used to swiftly change the scene, reflecting the play’s rapid movement through different times and locations. This technique helps to create a dynamic, seemingly constant flow of action.
The frequent scene changes also suggest the chaotic and frenzied rhythm of modern urban life.
Trucks allow for more significant set pieces to move on and off stage quickly. By using trucks, the play can shift dramatically and instantly from one setting to another.

Projections and Multimedia

Projections and multimedia elements play an integral role in the set design. They visually reinforce the themes of the play and offer a vibrant, immediate depiction of the apocalyptic earthquake.
Projected images can visually portray complex, destructive forces, like the series of ‘earthquakes’, enhancing the play’s unworldly, apocalyptic elements.
Multimedia elements such as video and light projections are also used to create unique time periods or locations, like austere government offices or hip dance clubs.

Pyrotechnics and Smoke Machines

Dramatic physical effects, including pyrotechnics and smoke machines, create a sense of realism, shock, and spectacle. These effects intensify the drama through sensory stimulation.
The visceral impact of pyrotechnics force the audience to acknowledge the raw power and destruction of the feared earthquake, bringing the apocalyptic future to life.
Smoke machines are often used to add a layer of mystery and uncertainty, mirroring themes of the unknown and lurking danger.

Flying

Flying can be an effective tool for creating dream-like or surreal moments in the play. This technique allows characters or objects to appear to ‘float’ or ‘fly’ across the stage, providing powerful visual imagery.
In a play that often blurs reality and fantasy, flying sequences can represent characters’ transcending reality, almost as if escaping the constraints of gravity and time.

Overall, the ‘Earthquakes in London’ set design combines traditional and contemporary tools to craft a visually dynamic and thematically resonant environment. This dramatic landscape forms the backdrop to the characters’ lives, highlighting both the normality and impending disaster.