Ghost Dances (1981) Christopher Bruce

Question 1

What are the key themes of Ghost dances?

Answer 1

• The innocent civilians and activists will never stop fighting for what they believed in-as shown through the continuation off stage towards the light in section 7
• That death is universal and will come
• Mexican day of the dead
• Torture of Pinochet’s bloody coup leading to thousands being killed
• oppression of ordinary people
• human rights

Question 2

What is the subject matter of Ghost dances?

Answer 2

• shows little glimpses/ snapshots into these innocent civilians before they were killed (shown through the ghosts)
• every section shows a different person/ people’s life story and how they were before they died

Question 3

What is the context behind Ghost dances?

Answer 3

• Bruce received a letter from the human right activist Joan Jara, who revealed that her husband Victor Jara (a Chilean singer) had been tortured and killed in Pinochet’s bloody coup which seized power in Chile in 1973.
• Pinochet’s bloody coup was a mass murder of people who did not support Pinochet

Question 4

What are the 4 possible descriptions of the structure of ghost dances, explaining why this could be suggested.

Answer 4

• Cyclic= This is because ghost dances begins and ends with the same music, with the 3 ghosts finishing in the exact same positions as they started section 1 (looking to upstage left awaiting next victims). The repetition creates a feeling that the ghosts are omnipresent, and that they will always be waiting. The cyclic feature shows the vicious cyclic of death and how everyone is going to experience it.
• Episodic= There is a new piece of music for each section, defining them. Each section follows a new story/ element of the civilians, making it appear like a few little episodes which make up this whole picture of the coup and the lives that were taken.
• Rondo= Reoccurring section of ghosts appearing to take away the lives of the civilians at the end of every section. Also reoccurring water dripping noise in transition between section (these act as chorus and likes sections together)
• Palindrome= When sections go one away, meet in middle, and reverse again. This can be applied to ghost dances due to the number and gender of the dancers.
  1) 3 ghosts
  2) Group dance- 6 civilians- 3 female, 3 male
  3) Duet- 1 male, 1 female
  4) Solo- 1 peasant boy
  5) Duet- 1 male, 1 female
  6) Group Dance- 8 civilians
  7) 3 ghosts

Question 5

Describe the physical setting in Ghost dances Section 1

Answer 5

Set:

• A painted backdrop of the opening of a cave is used to set the scene through out the entire work
• The backdrop shows the perspective of being in a cave, and looking out into the dark dull blue sea. This could be interpreted as the entry to the underworld
• The sky in the backdrop looks clear but dark, suggesting it is night time= adds to sombre mood and reflects the dark intentions of the ghosts.
• There are 7 piles of rock structures at the back of the stage= add to real and rawness of the work + provide a change of levels for ghosts/ seats for civilians
• Mountain peaks in distance of set= isolation from earth/ could be andes

Lighting:

• dim/ dark= creates night time atmosphere, and reflects animals come out of time and adds to sombre mood/ dark intentions of ghosts
• blue gel is used to create blue lighting= cold atmosphere and unpleasant location
• further into section 1, a bright blue side light being shone from upstage left is used to illuminate and sculpt the body/ muscles of the ghosts

Costume:

• all 3 ghosts wearing same costume, inspired by day of dead + designed by Belinda Scarlett
• body painted white and black paint used to emphasise muscles and bone structure= exaggerates strength, power, rawness of ghosts, especially when dancing in unity
• black wig and material around waist, shoulders, wrists, ankles made up of plumbers tow, leather, cord and feathers= nakedness dehumanises them + reflects animalistic nature + emphasises ghosts movement
• dark, hollow eye sockets= have no soul, mysterious, concealed look= anonymous
• all black + white= skeletal look + seriousness
• bare feet= animalistic

Question 6

Describe the aural setting in section 1 of Ghost dances

Answer 6

• water dripping noise every 5 seconds= reminder to audience of unpleasant location as opposed to complete silence on stage= echoing shows the emptiness, hollow and isolation within cave
• windpipe music begins towards end of section 1, increasing in volume

Question 7

Describe the dancers in section 1 of Ghost dances

Answer 7

Number:
-3

Gender:
-Male

Physique:

• 3 tall, muscular built
• all appear the same to reinforce unity and power

Role:
-ghosts represent death as they are shown to take away the lives of the innocent activists/civilians. The 3 ghosts are meant to look like a unitary group of death making this concept that much more powerful. Together they create an animalistic effect, as if they are animals of prey anticipating the arrival of their prey, the civilians.

Question 8

Give 1 movement example from section 1 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 8

3 ghosts begin in triangle position stood up, with one ghost on a higher level on a pile of rocks, remaining here. Dancer furthest downstage takes 2 runs towards upstage left and slides on his right knee under the legs of another ghost. Dynamic is fast and sudden. The ghost slowly and timidly takes 2 steps to stand up and the other ghost then slowly walks up behind the back of the ghost. The travel is tentively moving to upstage left.
=Interpretation= ghost is trying to get a closer look to see if any civilians are on their way, they don’t take their eyes off of upstage left as if they’re in a gaze. Water dripping emphasises deep focus on ghosts

• physical setting remains same in section 1
• aural setting is water dripping

Question 9

Describe the physical setting in section 2 of ghost dances

Answer 9

Set:
-same set as in section

Lighting:

• yellow/orange gel used to create a warmer, brighter tone in contrast to dark + cold atmosphere in section 1
• Bright wash across centre (ghosts still in darkness at back) reflects the joyful and happy lives of the civilians before they were cruelly killed
• end of section 2, there is a sudden change of lighting from the dull and blue tone (whilst ghosts are on stage) to a yellow/green spotlight from downstage, only highlighting the 3 female civilians suspended in the air, appearing to be dead

Costume:

• 3 female dancers are all wearing long dresses/ top and a long skirt// skirt is floaty= emphasises movement=fun and liveliness of civilians beforehand + felt free and not restricted // bottom of skirt is shredded= shows imperfections, natural normal behaviour + they’ve fought and struggled for what they believe in // bright + vibrant colours of the skirts (blue, red, green) =liveliness and joy
• 3 male dancers, 2 are in formal trousers and shirts, ones a peasant boy and is in rags// suits, w/wo tie show the different classes that the males were in e.g upper, middle, and low //peasant boy wearing stained, ripped 3/4 trousers and top= poverty // diversity shows anyone and everyone can be taken by death, it’s universal, no matter your lifestyle

Question 10

Describe the aural setting in section 2 of ghost dances

Answer 10

Music:

• guitar solo begins playing
• second guitar of a higher pitch begins playing as well
• several guitars are playing different rhythms and pitches
• music sounds upbeat and playful= shows joy of civilians, as reinforced through their dancing
• windpipe melody begins over the top of guitars
• water dripping noise reoccurs

Question 11

Describe the dancers in section 2 of ghost dances

Answer 11

Number:
-group dance of 6

Gender:

• 3 females
• 3 males

Physique:

• females are slim and delicate
• 2 males are quite tall and muscular , other male is smaller and less muscular

Role:
-the 6 civilians are suppose to represent the dead Chilean civilians who had their lives harshly taken away in the coup. There’s a diverse range of people in the dead, from male to female, younger to older, poor and wealthy. Together they show death will never beat them and how they’ll continue to fight for what they believe in.

Question 12

Give a movement example from section 2 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 12

3 female dancers run in a direct pathway downstage left and then across the front of stage to downstage right. They step on their right leg and turn outwards lifting their leg up. Their arms move from second to the right arm being placed above the right shoulder. They finish the turn facing upstage and then spring to stage right, then 3 backwards spring ball changes (folk step). Dynamic is fast and light.
=interpretation= the spinning action emphasises the movement of their skirts reinforcing their freedom and happiness in life before the coup. Spring runs show playful view of life

Physical setting= same

Aural setting= same, single guitar playing melody=upbeat and playful sound

Question 13

Describe the physical setting in section 3 of ghost dances

Answer 13

Set:
-same cave backdrop as in sections 1 and 2

Lighting:

• no coloured gels were used or spotlights
• lighting is more dim= emphasises more mature and romantic dance/ atmosphere
• doesn’t change throughout section

Costume:

• female is wearing a deep red, long floaty dress with short sleeves and is shredded at the bottom// the deep red colour= romantic and mature nature to the dance // long to emphasise her movements across the stage, showing how she was unrestricted and could be in love with her partner before they were killed // shredded= normal human, shows her passion and activists nature as she’s fought for what she believes in
• male dancer is in a grey suit, with a white shirt, and black shoes= formal clothing could suggest he is from an upper class, showing death is universal

Question 14

Describe the aural setting in section 3 of ghost dances

Answer 14

Music:

• high pitched guitar solo begins playing melody
• windpipe is played over the top playing a new melody= sounds happy and upbeat
• first section with lyrics
• at end of section 3, dripping noise come backs when the man is killed

Question 15

Describe the dancers in section 3 of ghost dances

Answer 15

Number:
-2

Gender:

• 1 male
• 1 female

Physique:

• male is built tall, muscular, broad
• female appears small and slim

Role:
-they have been interpreted as representing Joan Jara and Victor Jara, who were 2 Chilean civilians, with victor experiencing the torture of the coup himself. Bruce got to know Victor’s story which inspired him to create a work around this situation

Question 16

Give a movement example from section 3 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 16

The female dancer begins the section as a solo and she travels from stage left to stage right, facing stage right. She performs 3 triple runs, stretching her hands out in front of her, as if she was trying to reach something. She then springs onto her other leg, facing stage left now. Dynamic is very weighted and travels a lot
=interpretation= weighted dynamic and shift of weight implies she feels weighted down by something. Swinging of arms creates the idea that she is trying to reach something, but isn’t successful. Change of levels from being hung forward over t stretched upwards= change of moods from disappointed to hopeful

Question 17

How does section 1 and section 7 of ghost dances link together/ what effect does the link have?

Answer 17

-ghosts begin section 1 facing upstage left and throughout section 1, the ghosts are seen edging closer and closer to upstage left, suggesting they are awaiting the arrival of something and are getting more impatient. -Towards the end of section 1, the 8 Chilean civilians begin walking on to stage from upstage left, in a close huddle. They walk very slowly and timidly across the upstage until reaching upstage right, and section 2 begins

• in section 7, the windpipe music begins playing, and the ghosts appear from upstage behind rocks, walking slowly downstage. They get into same horizontal formation as in section 1, and the civilians make their way up to upstage left.
• civilians take small steps forward, travelling from upstage left to down stage right in a direct pathway
• a bright white spotlight is being shone from downstage right, guiding the civilians way. This light is suppose to represent how their fighting spirit will always remain active and they’ll continue to fight for what they believe in. Bruce said it doesn’t matter how many times you knock people down (or kill them) if they have a strong cause they will continue fighting. The civilians finish offstage to show that they have progressed forwards, to heaven or hell

Question 18

Give another movement example from section 1 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 18

Ghost behind other one drops his head, moving to the left side, with the help of the other ghost. Ends up in position with head hung to the left. He then spins fastly to the right and places his foot onto the other ghost’s lower back, with his arms held in a high v position with flexed wrists, looking downstage towards audience. During this, other ghost mimicks droop to left and spins sharply finishing facing upstage left. 3rd ghosts remains on pile of rocks. Dynamic is quite fast and fluent until moment of pause.
=interpretation= similar movements but danced at different times shows ghosts’ connection. High v arm line= animalistic, bird of prey hovering. Quick phrase of movement then pause= stylistic feature of Bruce, emphasises waiting for prey

Physical setting= same

Aural setting= same

Question 19

Give a third movement example from section 1 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 19

First ghost runs towards upstage left and grabs a hold of the other dancers forearms, facing each other. Performs an elevated side leap, with the momentum of the landing pulling the other dancer into a tight contracted ball on the first dancers hip. Dynamic of leap is fast, however moment of pause in ball position, (Bruce’s choreographic style) used to emphasise suspense of arrival. Direction of travel is towards upstage left, edging closer to arrival of dead and growing in confidence when doing so, getting more impatient
=interpretation=elevated leap is like a bird of prey flying, contact work shows the closeness and unity of the ghosts. Faster travel to upstage left is growing in confidence when doing so, getting more impatient

Physical setting= same

Aural setting= same, water dripping

Question 20

Give a fourth movement example from section 1 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 20

3 ghosts are stood in the centre of stage and their arms are held horizontally shoulder height and they are holding each other’s forearms to create a horizontal line across the stage. The ghosts lower into a jazz 4th position simultaneously then turn into a plié in second, and then turn into jazz 4th facing stage left
=interpretation= the close, linked formation shows ghosts unity, and how they are all there with the same evil intention of to kill the innocent chilean civilians. Dancing in sync reinforces ghosts power and strength together

Question 21

Give a second movement example from section 2 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 21

3 female dancers step facing downstage left and step onto their right leg, swinging their left then right leg backwards into a bent position. Their arms swing to a high v and remain there until they land the jump. Dynamic is fast but suspended in the air.
=interpretation= swinging of arms to a high level looks as though they are flying like birds, wings, demonstrating their once owned freedom

Question 22

Give a movement example from section 3 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 22

Facing downstage centre, she does a fast upper body circular, roll with her arms held up in a relaxed fifth. Feet remain still. Head looks back following left arm first. She then turns to upstage on her left leg, with her right leg in attitude at the back. She then extends her arms out into a diagonal line, with left high and ball changes moving to downstage right. Dynamic is fast and extended
=interpretation= body roll emphasises the trying to reach someone. Windpipe music creates more depth and texture to the dance, reinforcing again the reaching for someone. Eyes remain following her palm, as if they are leading her to someone

Question 23

Identify and provide examples as to where Bruce’s choreographic style can be seen throughout Ghost dances.

Answer 23

-mix of classical ballet and Graham technique dance movements.
=seen in Ghost Dances in section 3: parallel travelling movement at start. Turned out + pointed feet during lift in attitude around back of male dancer

-socio-political themes
=ghost dances is about Pinochet’s coup, which resulted in a deep oppression of ordinary people

-symbolic repetition of motifs
=ghosts in horizontal chain formation repeated from section 1 in section 7 to reinforce power and unity

-Episodic structures with a narrative thread running through them

-folk dance
=during the group dance in section 2, the civilians carry out several spring ball change steps + steps using their heels which are traditional folk steps

-fast sequences followed by moments of stillness
=section 1 through ghosts side leap and spring onto hip

Question 24

Give a third movement example from section 3 of ghost dances, providing context of the other constituent features and an interpretation/ analysis of the moment

Answer 24

Travelling/ facing upstage left, the female takes a run on her right leg and then extends her left leg forwards, with her foot pointed, whilst jumping to the left side of the male dancer. Her right leg is in an attitude position. Her arms go around the shoulders of the male dancer, and he wraps his right arm around her waist, with his left arm extending horizontally to the side. She is lifted to a high level over the male dancers right shoulder. The male spins her around to finish facing stage left.