How We Made It | Creative Choices in The Boy with Two Hearts | National Theatre

Summary

The video focuses on the creative team behind 'The Boy With Two Hearts,' a production that follows the Amiri family's harrowing journey from Afghanistan to the UK through a jungle near the Ukraine border. Key contributors, including the associate director, sound designer, lighting designer, and video designer, discuss their collaborative efforts to create an immersive experience. Through dynamic movement, evocative lighting, and layered soundscapes, they aim to evoke empathy for the characters' struggles and realities. The production emphasizes the sensory aspects of the journey, blending creative captioning and environmental sounds to enhance storytelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The production of 'The Boy With Two Hearts' focuses on the Amiri family's journey from Afghanistan to the UK, emphasizing their experiences in a jungle near the Ukraine border.
• 🎶 The sound design plays a crucial role in creating an immersive experience, incorporating various jungle sounds to evoke a sense of place.
• 💡 Lighting design is used not only to illuminate actors but also to enhance mood and suggest different locations throughout the performance.
• 🎥 The video design involves creative captioning that visually represents elements of the story, making it more accessible and engaging for the audience.
• 🚁 Environmental sounds, such as a helicopter and thunder, contribute to the tension and urgency of the scenes depicted.
• 🌳 Movement direction is key in portraying the passage of time and the many locations the family traverses within the jungle.
• 🤝 Collaboration among the creative team, including sound designers, lighting designers, and video designers, is essential to the show's success.
• 👂 The sound design aims to blend various elements to create an ambiguous but captivating atmosphere that reflects the characters' emotional states.
• 🏡 Personal elements, like the characters' longing for home, are highlighted through dialogue and music, enhancing audience empathy.
• ⚡ The production seeks to foster a sense of urgency and danger to represent the real challenges faced by many refugees, aiming to create empathy among viewers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the production 'The Boy With Two Hearts'?

The production follows the Amiri family as they journey through a jungle near the Ukraine border, highlighting their experiences from Afghanistan to the UK.

Who are the main contributors to the production, and what are their roles?

The main contributors include Sepy Baghaei (associate director), Tic Ashfield (co-composer and sound designer), Amy (lighting designer), and Hayley Egan (video designer).

What is the significance of the jungle setting in the play?

The jungle setting is significant as it represents a visceral moment in the family's journey, conveying the shock and challenges they face during their escape.

How does the movement director contribute to the scene?

The movement director, Jess, creates a sense of many locations and experiences within the jungle, using movement to manipulate time and portray the family's journey.

What techniques does the lighting designer use to enhance the atmosphere?

The lighting designer uses color and texture to hint at different locations without explicitly stating them, focusing on supporting the mood and emotions of the characters.

How does sound design play a role in the production?

Sound design is essential for creating an immersive environment, featuring a mix of environmental sounds, music that complements choreography, and various sound effects like helicopters and thunderstorms.

What was the aim of the music composed for the show?

The music aims to maintain an upbeat tempo while also conveying a sense of tension, reflecting the dangerous and urgent nature of the characters' journey.

How does the video designer contribute to making the show accessible?

The video designer incorporates creative captioning and animated visuals to provide context and enhance understanding for viewers who may not hear the dialogue.

What is the emotional impact that the production aims to achieve?

The production aims to create empathy for the characters by immersing the audience in the sensory experiences of their journey, highlighting the real dangers they face.

What challenges do the creators face in portraying the journey of the Amiri family?

The creators face the challenge of authentically representing the family's dangerous journey and the various environments they traverse, ensuring the audience can connect emotionally with their experiences.