The AQA Rule: The Actors are the Instruments

Because the Dominic Cooke adaptation uses Brechtian Story Theatre, you should avoid "hidden" digital sound effects. AQA examiners reward students who describe how the Ensemble creates the soundscape live on stage using their bodies, voices, and the wooden set pieces.

C E E E E E

Concept 1: The Heathcroft Stomp

The Big Idea: During the Heathcroft protests, the tension shouldn't come from a hidden speaker. It comes from the physical bodies of the Cross ensemble.

📝 AQA Terminology Bank

Body Percussion

Using the human body to create percussive sound (e.g., stomping feet, clapping, slapping thighs). Perfect for creating a militaristic, intimidating atmosphere.

Live Foley / Object Manipulation

Actors creating sound effects visibly on stage using props. For example, slamming a wooden crate onto the stage floor to simulate a gunshot or explosion.

Vocal Soundscape

The ensemble layering their voices (hissing, whispering, chanting) to create an atmospheric bed of sound, representing the hostile society surrounding Callum and Sephy.

📝 Exam Strategy: The Design Grid

Use this structure in your AQA exam to guarantee top marks (Point ➔ Effect ➔ Terminology).

Sound Choice (What) Impact Justification (Why) Key Terminology
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