The Visit: Sound design (direction, amplification, music, sound effects)

Understanding Sound Design in ‘The Visit’

Overall Design Concept

Friedrich Durrenmatt’s ‘The Visit’ uses sound to create specific atmospheres, communicate characters’ inner states, and emphasise dramatic tension. Sound design in the play is intricate and requires careful attention and interpretation.

Sound Direction and Amplification

Sound angles, volume shifts, and directions in ‘The Visit’ help guide attention, signal changes, and emphasise key moments. Consider, for instance, how louder, sharper sounds might highlight dramatic turns or shifts.
Amplification can be manipulated to create various effects. For example, the voices of townsfolk may begin to sound louder and more aggressive as they get increasingly influenced by Claire’s wealth, communicating the escalating intensity of their greed and desperation.

Music in ‘The Visit’

Music plays a central role in setting tone, reinforcing character representations, and driving the narrative. Pay attention to musical motifs, such as the strident music associated with Claire, which suggests her threatening and unforgiving nature.
Musical interludes can signal time lapses, shifts in atmosphere, or critical narrative transitions. They offer potential moments of reflection for the audience, creating time to process and anticipate what’s to come.

Sound Effects in ‘The Visit’

Sound effects in ‘The Visit’ often carry symbolic importance and contribute to the development of major themes. Take, for instance, the rhythmic, ominous sound of Claire’s wooden leg marking her approach and the gradual corruption of Güllen.
Environmental sounds help set the scene and mood. The sounds of the dilapidated town - creaking doors, distant train whistles, the ticking of a clock - underline the town’s despair and hopelessness.

Integration with Other Design Elements

The sound design assimilates with other design components like lighting, set, and costume to create a cohesive dramatic experience. Think about how sound works in tandem with these elements to enrich the overall theatrical presentation of ‘The Visit’.
For instance, the aggressive sound design accompanying Claire’s entrance, combined with the dramatic stage lighting and her grand costume, creates an unforgettable, threatening first impression.

When revising, it’s crucial to remember that sound design isn’t an isolated component, but a critical part of the overall mise en scène of the performance. Try to consider how the sound contributes to the holistic dramatic and thematic vision of the play.