Earthquakes in London: Sound design (direction, amplification, music, sound effects)

Exploring Sound Design in Earthquakes in London

Sound design in Earthquakes in London plays a crucial role in building atmosphere, indicating change, and enhancing the dramatic action.
The sound design can range from everyday noises, like the sound of a bustling city, to more abstract sounds, such as the rumble of an approaching earthquake.
The use of both diegetic sounds (sounds within the world of the play) and non-diegetic sounds (external sounds, like thematic music or audio effects) creates different layers of reality on stage.

The director’s interpretation of the script greatly influences the sound design. They work closely with the sound designer to determine where and how sound is used.
Rupert Goold, the director of the original production, made significant use of sound to emphasise the pressing issue of climate change and impending disaster.
The direction of sound, such as whether it comes from on or off stage, can hint at offstage action or influence the audience’s focus.

Amplification might be used in Earthquakes in London to enhance certain sounds, create specific noise effects, or manipulate the audience’s perception of distance or proximity.
The amplification of sounds, such as rumbling noises, can heighten tension or communicate a sense of the impending disaster.
Lowering or muting sounds can create contrast or highlight moments of intimacy or revelation in the drama.

Music in Earthquakes in London both enhances the mood and aids transitions between scenes or time periods.
Incorporating contemporary music helps set the time period and create connections with the audience.
The use of music at pivotal moments can heighten emotional responses or underscore the thematic content of a scene.

Sound effects can provide realistic noises - like the chattering of a crowd or a baby crying - to help establish the setting or situation.
Abstract sound effects also contribute to the overall mood or emotion of a scene, as seen in the use of eerie or ominous sounds to hint at the looming catastrophe.
Sound effects alongside lighting cues can be instrumental in creating rapid time switches, a significant feature in Earthquakes in London.