Shadows!

Shadows!

1. the choreographic approach

   • Bruce doesn't prepare movement before entering the studio
   • He prefers to wait and work with the dancers so he can be influenced by them
   • the must sit well with the dancers
   • The idea of a family unit sitting around a hearth
     • furniture is an intrinsic part of the choreography
     • the anxiety of the music greatly influenced the movement
       • Each family member has a voice and can tell their story

2. Stimulus

   • Arvo parts Fratres for violin and piano was the starting point for the work
     • evokes images of a european history and tradition over years of suffering and human experience
       • examining the relationships between each family member

3. Choreographic intention

   • in reference to past and current political events across the world
     • exploring the effects on human life
     • Bruce describes the work as a darker work with a sort of narrative
       • allowing the audience to apply their own context
   • Bruce invited the audience into a small family set in eastern Europe
     • coming to terms with deprivation , poverty and the realties of what lies outside their intimate family

4. Costumes

   • the costumes are very simple and worn down
     • 1930-1940
     • simple skirts, shirts , dresses and trousers
     • they wear large overcoats that symbolise poverty that are worn at the end of the piece
   • the colours are muted and worn down symbolising poverty
     • towards the end of the piece the family prepare to leave
       • putting on their shoes and coats
         • it is clear the jackets are oversized referencing to the fact that the family live in poverty

5. staging and set

   • a black box with walls and a floor
     • includes a table a bench two stools a coat stand and suitcases
     • the space is like the kitchen