Spooky's Kitchen Play Analysis

Sound Design in Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing The play Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing confronts many social issues that are experienced by Indigenous communities, and also globally. It addresses issues surrounding alcoholism, violence, sexual abuse and women's rights. However, all of these issues in the play are based around the central theme of alcoholism. Through the element of sound I will portray the mood and environment of the scene in a way that emphasizes the negative effects of alcoholism. Through various forms of sound, including music, speech and sound effects, the audience will gain an understanding of just how severely alcoholism can affect an individual, as well as those around them. The scene in Spooky’s kitchen, where …show more content…
He is speaking about the past in a warm tone, talking slowly to add intensity to his story and using lots of big hand gestures. Having him speak in a warm tone makes him seem proud of Black Lady Halked for what she did. This will cause the audience to realize that there is an issue in the morals of these characters, as they casually prioritize alcohol over family and don’t see the issue with that. Spooky and Zachary are distracted throughout this scene, paying little attention to Pierre’s story, but dully correct him if he mistakes part of it. As the attention of the scene transfers to the upper level, silence will fall in Spooky’s kitchen and the men will slowly tilt their heads up to help direct the audience's attention. As their heads look up, the music of the bar will fade into full blast. “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley will be playing from the bar's jukebox where Black Lady is positioned. The loud music drowns out all other noise, aside from the occasional clinking of glass coming from the bar. Nothing that the characters say is audible throughout this scene, adding a sense of helplessness to their situation since no one can hear their screams. The upbeat electric guitar and drums add to the chaos of the scene, and the rest of the bar doesn’t seem to notice Black Lady’s situation. After Dickie Bird silently screams, the music begins to fade out and the focus goes back onto the …show more content…
He is asking his mother for information on his father, but she’s too busy getting ready to go out and averts the conversation. When he pleas with his mother he speaks in a high pitched, childlike voice to show his innocence and inferiority in comparison to her. She talks back in a rushed, but stern voice to declare her dominance over him. When Black Lady exits the door is heard closing behind her and a brief whistle of wind follows to signify that Dickie Bird is left alone. When he begins his soliloquy his voice is immediately much deeper and more powerful. He is now speaking clearly and confidently, showing that his mother is very much in control of him, so when she is not there he is free to be himself. The stage takes on a much darker mood at this point, with the lighting also contributing and becoming much more shadowy and grim. Dickie Bird’s shadow on the back wall of his bedroom will grow as the lights shift, making him look much larger and more independant. As he stands up and begins running out of his room quiet instrumental music fades into the background to add anticipation and rhythm while he is running into the forest. This music would be a mix of staccato violin, cello and drums and would contribute to a sense of intensity in the scene. His heavy breathing and brief grunts can be heard over top of the music. As he sits on the rock the music fades out and he is speaking through