Earthquakes in London: sub-text

The sub-text of a play refers to the underlying themes, emotions, and motivations that are not expressed directly through dialogue. In “Earthquakes in London,” the sub-text often hints at unspoken tensions and anxieties.
For example, despite the seemingly normal conversations between the sisters, there’s an undercurrent of rivalry and resentment. This sub-text is revealed through their actions, pauses, mindful silence, and body language.

A pivotal moment showcasing sub-text in action is when Freya reveals her pregnancy to her partner. Their dialogue is straightforward, but the sub-text reveals layers of fear, excitement, and trepidation about their future as parents.
Similarly, the ongoing discussions about the forthcoming apocalypse are loaded with sub-text. The characters grapple with despair, denial, and helplessness in the face of the impending catastrophe.

The sub-text of environmental degradation and climate change runs throughout the play, hidden beneath surface-level debates on political or personal matters. It poses questions about the role of humans in environmental destruction, and our responsibilities for future generations.

The interactions between characters often reveal underlying power dynamics via sub-text. For instance, the relationship between Sarah and Robert is not just about personal comfort but also concerns power struggle and domination.
The power dynamics are also explicitly seen in how characters negotiate their space in the city – those belonging to the higher social class have the resources to insulate themselves from the devastating effects of the climate crisis, while others can’t.

The character growth throughout the play is also traced through sub-text, revealing their personal journey, motivations, and the factors driving their decisions.
Sub-text plays a significant part in revealing the characters’ emotional depths, personal evolution and contributing to the overall narrative of the impending disaster.