A new performance brings together image, text and sound drawn from Earshot's 'earwitness' investigation of a reported sonic attack during a silent vigil in Belgrade in March 2025.
Drawing from testimonies, recordings and forensic analysis, 450XL: A silent movie explores the politics of listening and the role of sound as both evidence and weapon. The event opens with an introductory lecture by Abu Hamdan, 'Listening to Punks', and evolves into the newly commissioned performance featuring visuals by Earshot researcher and artist Hyeongji Yang and an original live score by James Hoff.
Using image, text and sound, the work investigates a contested event, and examines how acts of listening can reveal, reconstruct and challenge official accounts.
Book two ticketed events as part of the Lawrence Abu Hamdan: Repercussions takeover and get 20% off, book three or more and get 30% off.
Repercussions is generously supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund, held at The Prism Charitable Trust. 450XL: A silent movie by Lawrence Abu Hamdan is commissioned by the Barbican and FIGURA with additional support from the Commissioning Council and the Fondazione In Between Art Film.
Founding members of the Commissioning Council include: Anastasia Bukhman/Bukhman Foundation, Stephanie Camu, Aarti Lohia/SP Lohia Foundation, Mark and Dana Strong, Tia Collection and Brian Yue & Claire Bi/Cheng-Lan Foundation.
Supported by
In an age where it is harder to believe what we see, sound is becoming increasingly vital evidence for political resistance.
Discover other events in the programme which explore the urgent and expansive concept of sonic rights:
Hear from the 'Private Ear'
Learn more about Lawrence Abu Hamdan's work in audio analysis and aural testimony.
About Earshot
Earshot is the world's first non-profit organisation using sound in the defence of human and environmental rights.
Building on over a decade of research and advocacy, Earshot transforms sound into a tool of justice and restores the soundtrack as a site of evidentiary power. From the sharp crack of gunfire to the oppressive hum of drones, our investigations treat sound as both an acoustic trace of violence and a means of control.
In under three years, Earshot's investigations have provided facts for over 30 major media outlets, including Al Jazeera, the BBC, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Middle East Eye, Sky News and Le Monde, and have supported advocacy campaigns by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B'Tselem, Forbidden Stories, and Global Rights Compliance.
Through original research and investigative cases — often collaborating with journalists and human rights organisations — Earshot demonstrates how sound can expose abuse, shift public perception, and amplify voices too often unheard. By embedding itself in a wider ecosystem of media outlets, legal teams, activist networks, and human rights organisations, Earshot produces expert audio evidence no other organisation is equipped to deliver — strengthening calls for accountability in courtrooms, public forums, and international advocacy campaigns.
Theatre and Dance: Autumn/Winter 2026
Unmissable theatre and dance from around the world...
Cinema 1
Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
