One-off Workshop: The Sound of Silence

ContrastsNoise is opposite of silence, but there are shades and gradations. Partial silence, temporary silence, silence that changes from warm to cold, silence apparent to some but not others – all can be explored through dramatic scenarios.

Lead a discussion on perceptions of silence. One example is white noise, many (younger) people do not hear it; others are bothered by it. Ask if silence actually has a sound? Silence may be just a pause in action or dialogue but can be effective. Pauses/silence may be filled by mime or by nothing at all.

Discuss how silence may be delivered. Is it just no speaking? How can it be made sinister? Unsettling? Terrifying? What impact could silence have on people/the story? People talk of breaking their silence after a long time, after disappearance, after fear, after a traumatic event or revealing the truth about something or somebody.