Q1B Sound Response

Question 1

Q1B –
(Sound) Bullet 1: ‘Write downs the title of the theatre event which you saw.’

Answer 1

The live theatre event I saw was ‘Grania’ at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in October 2024.

Question 2

Q1B –
(Sound) Bullet two: ‘Describe the idea from this event.’

Answer 2

In ‘Grania’ , a striking sound moment occurred at the end of Act One, starting when Finn exclaimed, “We were supposed to get married in the morning!” The sound designer used a non-diegetic electric guitar riff to reflect King Finn’s rising fury. The sound began with a low pitch and volume, but grew steadily louder through amplification and a crescendo. Distorted effects gave the riff a sharp, grating edge, the sound was panned across the auditorium to create a sense of chaos. At its peak, the sound cut off abruptly, leaving an unsettling silence that heightened the emotional impact of Finn’s anger and heartbreak.

Question 3

Q1B –
(Sound) Bullet three: ‘Analyse how you could use this idea in your set text.’

Answer 3

I would use this idea in ‘Blood Brothers’ during the final scene, starting with Mrs Johnstone’s line, “Mickey. Mickey. Don’t shoot him, Mickey…” A non-diegetic bass pulse would represent Mickey’s erratic heartbeat, beginning softly but growing in pace and volume through a crescendo. Amplified metallic sounds, distorted and panned around the space, would reflect Mickey’s rising aggression and disorientation. As he pulls the trigger, the sound would stop suddenly, leaving an eerie silence.

Question 4

Q1B –
(Sound) Bullet four: ‘Evaluate what you hope to achieve for your audience.’

Answer 4

The sound design would build tension and immerse the audience in Mickey’s mental state. The amplified bass and panning would create a physical sense of unease, while the abrupt silence should shock the audience, leaving a powerful impression of the scene’s tragedy.

Question 5

Q1B – Score System

Answer 5

Award one point for each successful recall.