Swansong - Dance Theory
Includes:
The Roles of Dancers
Starting Points, Themes and Influences
Physical Setting
Aural Setting
- Created by: Laura
- Created on: 16-04-12 16:33
Contemporary Choreographers - Starting Points, The
What are the starting points for Swansong?
-Amnesty International
-Prisoner of Conscience
-'A Man' written by Oriana Fallaci
What key themes does Swansong explore?
-Interrogation
-Power
-Freedom
-Human Rights
Contemporary Choreographers - Starting Points, The
Describe the style of Swansong.
-Dramatic
-Narrative
What different dance styles can you see within Swansong?
-Ballet
-Tap Steps
-Graham Contemporary
-Folk
Physical Setting
Type of Stage
Description
-Proscenium Arch Stage
Interpretation
-So the focus is on the dancers
-The audience can take their own interpretation
-Suits narrative style
-Atmosphere of intimidation/isolation
Physical Setting
Set Design
Description
-Abstract -Symbolic
-Minimalistic -Single chair
-Dark
Interpretation
-Atmosphere of fear, darkness
-Allows you to imagine where it takes place
-Symbolises prison cell- takes you into location
Phsyical Setting
Lighting
Description
-'David Mohr' -Spotlights
-Footlights -Dark backdrop emphasises lighting
-Diagonal shaft of light in solo from upstage left
Interpretation
-Looking for hope and something to believe in
-Heaven?
-Freedom?
Physical Setting
Props
Description
-Chair -Red nose
-Hats -Canes
-Cigarette
Interpretation
-Sheild -Humiliation
-Weapon -Degrading
-Safe place
Aural Setting
Describe the aural setting of Swansong in as much detail as you can.
-The silence before the music starts, builds tension
-Audible aspect- foot tapping, clapping
-Silence
-Electro-acoustic music with digitally sampled sounds
-Crash- builds, upbeat
What is the effect of this aural setting on Swansong? (Mood, atmosphere, relationship to dance)
-Shows converstaion and questioning builds tension
-Music builds tension and climax
Aural Setting
Just before section 7, the prisoner is beaten and is unconcious on the chair.
-We question whether he is dead or not?
-The silence gives the audience time to take their own interpretation.
Analysis- Scene- Questions and Answers
Describe the actions in this section.
-Claps -Stamps -Falls
-Lifts -Turns -Balances
-Leaps -Tap steps -Cartwheel
-Leans -Handstand
Interpretation
-Stamping out Q&A shows hostality, violence and the power balance
Analysis- Scene- Questions and Answers
Describe how the dancers use the space.
-Centre related -Close proximity -Left and right linear pathways
Interpretation
-Clear questioning and answering -Guards working as a team
Describe the dynamics used.
-Fluid -Sharp -Weightless -Energetic
-Floppy -Sudden -Floating
Interpretation
-Builds tension -Manipulation -Guards throwing him around
Analysis- Scene- Questions and Answers
Describe the relationships between the dancers.
-Officers moved in pair -Conversation- Q&A
-Prisoner- solo -Repetition
-Canon -Compliment and contrast
Interpretation
-Guards working together
-Finishing off each others sentences
-Interrogation
The Roles of Dancers
Number of Dancers: 3
Gender: Male
Character: 2 guards/officers/interrogaters
1 prisoner of war
Role/Status: Guards interrogate and torture prisoner
The prisoner was imprisoned for his rights
Prisoner has lower status
Costume
Interrogaters
-Light brown shirts
-High waisted dark brown trousers
-Black belt
-Black jazz shoes
-Hair is neat (neater than prisoners) and dark brown/black
Costume
Prisoner
-Blue, denim, ankle length jeans
-Short sleeved pink t-shirt
-Black jazz shoes
-Brown belt
-Hair is brown, curly and quite messy
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