CRY (1971)

CRY (1971)

1. Choreographed by ALVIN AILEY.

2. Themes: Slavery, Pain and suffering, Loss of loved ones Freedom

3. AURAL SETTING:

   • 1. 'Something about John Coltrane' - Alice Coltrane
     • Mutual coexistence
     • Instrumental
   • 2. 'Been on a train' - Laura Myro
     • Piano
     • Ecaspe
   • 3. 'Right on, be free' - voices of Harlem
     • Upbeat
     • Spiritual
   • Saxophone
   • silence between sections - reflect
   • contrast
   • ABC
     • episodic with a loose narrative
   • She shouts "NO"
     • Impact on audience

4. DANCERS

   • Solo
   • African-American female
   • Slim
   • Horton, Graham, Dunham technique trained
   • Flexible
     • Back and legs
   • Strong Physique

5. MOVEMENT

   • Section 1
     • scrubbing floor
       • slavery
     • contraction and high release
       • pain
       • trapped
     • low level
       • lower class
     • confused and pained facial expressions
   • Section 2
     • train
     • travel
     • reaching
     • jumps
     • bird like arms
     • isolation
     • repetition
       • keep going
   • Section 3
     • upbeat
     • swings
     • elongated
     • gospel
     • Jazz
     • focus on arms
     • bouncy
     • flexed
     • repetition
     • jerky
     • happy
     • relaxed

6. PHYSICAL SETTING

   • LIGHTING
     • 1: blue wash, spotlight
     • 2: gobos, brighter blue
     • 3. yellows & pinks, spotlight
   • COSTUME
     • White dress
       • purity
       • religion
     • Heavy skirt
       • falls
     • Low back
     • long sleeves
     • ruffles
     • tight
       • show torso
   • Proscenium Arch
   • Props
   • Camera making her disappear

7. Influences: Birthday present for his mother, dedicated to all black women, Judith Jamison