Section 1- Sword Flashcards
Describe the opening moment of the work and how this relates to the themes/ starting points
-in complete silence Larbi and Dong Dong (DD) are sat on the metal replica of the wooden boxes DSR with their legs crossed, facing opposite each other. Larbi slowly slides his index finger out until it reaches the same mini box that the monk who has just entered from USR is stood on on the main boxes
-there is a bright spotlight on Larbi and Dong Dong sat on the box DSR which draws the audiences attention on as their movements are so subtle
-shows Larbi’s journey and experience at the temple, and how DD was the first to accept him, East vs West, and Shaolin Kung Fu movement, looks like they’re playing a game of chess reminding us of Dong Dongs child behaviour and creativity
Describe 3 movements that Larbi does with his finger that replicates the movement that the monk creates with the sword
1) the monk facing SR walks backwards with the sword held straight up in front of him, whilst Larbi slowly moves his index finger towards Dong Dong
2) As the monk quickly spins the sword around from side to side quickly changing direction, Larbi circles his wrist quickly making his finger perform quick circles as well
3) The monk is in a deep pile in second facing SL and swipes the sword very slowly to DS, then to US, repeating this back and forward motion in a horizontal plane. Larbi swipes his finger in the same direction as the sword is moved at the same time as the monk
Describe what happens to the boxes at the end of the monks solo and why
-the first of 5 rows of boxes flip over in unison by 90 degrees towards DS. Then they flip over again. Then the second row flips, and the third row until they are all facing upwards. This is created through the monks being inside the boxes and rolling on their sides.
-this acts as a transition into the new formation of boxes for pond because they go from creating a stage to creating a sense of depth
-shows interaction with set design as a source of movement
Describe and interpret the comedic moment created by Dong Dong and Larbi in this section
-Larbi and Dong Dong meet at the last box, centre of the back row where the monk is now stood. They want to flip the box over to complete the formation but can’t because the monk is stood on it. He looks suspiciously at Larbi and Dong Dong until DD points to his eye distracting the monk making him turn to face Larbi at which point Dong Dong jumps and snatches the sword from the monk and runs off stage left, making the audience laugh.
-this shows Larbi and Dong Dong’s close, teacher learner relationship as they work together to correct the boxes that the monk is stood on.
What gestures does Dong Dong do whilst he’s sitting on the box with Larbi and what do they show?
-he scratches his head, puts his hands under his chin likes he’s thinking, leans to the edge of the box
-shows DD as the learner trying to understand what Larbi is teaching him, reminds the audience that he’s a child, curious to learn
