Blind Sight (1969) By Norman Morrcie Flashcards
What year was Blind sight first performed?
1969 (post reform)
What is the subject matter?
mankind is like a herd of animals, and if anyone appears different or breaks the pack, the rest will turn against them. All the dancers begin blind, but then gain their sight, but one girl remains blind and has to fight for her survival.
What was the aural setting?
Used recorded music by composer Bob Downes
Who was the set and costume designer?
Nadine Baylis
Who was the lighting director?
John B. Read
Describe the physical setting for the work
- set consisted of several metal bars around the sides and back of stage, which jangled and reflected the light on stage, creating a silvery flashing jungle
- also shiny fabric curtains on stage
- wooden bar along downstage so dancers knew where stage ended
- costumes were Lycra, tight fitting modern body suits
How was this work received?
-it was very abstract and new, but was received well as remained in companies rep for 5 years
What was the importance/ impact this work had on the company?
-was the first work which the new design team (Tetley, Baylis and Read) were involved in a work together. This allowed for the design to really be exaggerated and emphasise the movement and subject matter of the piece
What was Morrice’s approach when choreographing this piece?
Exploratory and experimental- wanted to try new things and be innovative
- Give a movement example from this work
What does this show about the work?
Movement: Christopher Bruce, playing the hero, is sat UC with his knees tucked into his chest and his arms hugging around his legs. The other dancers are all closely knelt and crouched around Bruce, holding onto one another. They all have their eyes tightly closed
Interpretation: The dancers appear as one pack, all the same with their eyes closed.
Other description: Can see the silvery shiny fabric curtains across the back of the stage, and all in tightly fiiting lycra body suits
