Jerusalem: creation of mood and atmosphere

Creation of Mood and Atmosphere

The outdoor milieu of Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron’s caravan site in the woodland near Flintock, Wiltshire, creates an atmosphere of defiance towards traditional norms.
The May Day Fair, held annually in the town, adds elements of myth, magic and folklore to the story, contributing to a whimsical, otherworldly atmosphere.
The continuous threat of eviction from the council invokes an air of tension and impending doom in the narrative.
The juxtaposition of the wild, untamed nature of the woodland and the conservative, regulated world of the Flintock Council creates a distinct atmosphere of conflict.

The vernacular language of the characters lends authenticity to the setting. It helps create an intimate, familiar atmosphere.
The use of slang and local dialect contributes to the realistic portrayal of the characters and their social class, enhancing the mood of the narrative.
Rooster’s storytelling enhances the sense of magic, folklore and fable, creating an enticing and captivating atmosphere.

The Albion caravan, which has been Rooster’s home for years, symbolizes his defiance against normal societal structures and evokes a sense of rebellion
The Fair is a symbol of the rich cultural tradition of the town, and its depiction adds a festive and nostalgic mood to the narrative.

Incidental music and sound effects, such as the crowing of roosters, the sounds of the woods, the songs played during the fair, contribute to the overall mood of a scene.

The interactions between the characters are pivotal in creating the mood and atmosphere. For example, the banter and camaraderie among Rooster’s gang create a sense of community and fellowship.
Tense situations, such as the impending eviction or Phaedra’s disappearance, lead to heightened emotions and dynamic interactions, thus escalating the atmospheric tension.

The audience’s awareness of the inevitable clashes between the characters creates a mood of constant anticipation and tension.
There’s a recurring discrepancy between what the characters aspire to and their actual capabilities. This gap is a source of both humour and pathos, thereby contributing to the mood of the play.