Reimagining History: The Creation of Isolation Tapes During COVID-19

Part 1.

Introduction

Before COVID-19 turned the world upside down, our company, PRONK!, was deeply entrenched in theatre work. However, like many organizations, we had to pivot in response to the pandemic. This shift led us to explore new creative avenues, particularly in the realm of audio. As part of this new venture, we decided to adapt some of our theatrical pieces into short audio dramas. This project, which we called Isolation Tapes, allowed us to continue our creative journey despite the challenging circumstances.

Background

The Isolation Tapes is a collection of dramatic reimaginings of historical explorers, each piece ranging from 5 to 15 minutes in length and accompanied by original music composed by Robert Moutrey. We wanted to delve into the minds of these intrepid adventurers, exploring their bravery, fears, and the essence of their explorations. One of the first pieces we developed centred around Salomon August Andrée, an explorer whose ill-fated 1897 attempt to reach the North Pole by balloon ended in tragedy.

Project Execution

Salomon August Andrée’s story is both compelling and poignant. Supported by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and funded by notable figures such as King Oscar II and Alfred Nobel, Andrée’s expedition was a national event. Despite meticulous planning, his journey was fraught with challenges from the start. After a storm forced their balloon to the ice, Andrée and his companions faced a grueling trek over harsh Arctic conditions, documenting their experiences meticulously until their tragic end.

In our audio drama, we imagined Andrée at the end of his life, reflecting on his journey. We sought to capture the emotional and psychological dimensions of his experience—his bravery and fear, his scientific curiosity, and his contemplations on success and failure. Using innovative sound design and immersive storytelling, we brought his final moments to life.

Outcome

The development of the Isolation Tapes during the pandemic was a transformative experience. Although the project did was not intended to gain any recognition, it was a valuable experiment in digital and audio storytelling.

Ultimately, the Isolation Tapes allowed us to explore new creative horizons and produce content that reflected our artistic vision. These audio dramas are a testament to our resilience and adaptability during a challenging time, as well as a tribute to the historical figures they depict.

Conclusion

The Isolation Tapes exemplify our commitment to innovation and storytelling. Despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, we were able to produce meaningful work that resonates with our passion for history and exploration. As we continue to evolve, we look forward to new opportunities to bring stories to life through audio.

Multimedia:

The Last Breath (Narrated By Jack Monaghan) by pronkproductions