Section 10- Monkey Flashcards
Describe how Dong Dong dismounts from the metal box and uses the staff at the start of this section
-he does an aerial off the box straight into a forward roll to centre stage, arriving at the metal pole that Larbi dropped. He grabs the pole and in a crouch position walks to DSL in a direct pathway then does another forwards roll
Describe how the older monk enters the stage
-like Dong Dong, he is stood on top of the boxes USL and does an aerial off the top of the boxes going straight into a forwards roll, then he jumps up in the air ending in a bent position with one arm raised above the head with fingers in a fist and the other hand also in a fist but crossing the chest, both flexed at the elbow.
-this movement shows the monkey Kung fu technique, a source of movement
Describe a key highlight from this section and interpret it
-the adult monk strides towards DS with the aluminium pole and performs a counter balance with his right leg resting on the pole holding it at the top with his right hand, left foot touching the right knee, and left arm held above the brow looking out. He is paused here momentarily before jumping down
-highlight as a change of levels, and the use of the metal staff makes the movement exciting to watch
Describe another key highlight from this section and interpret it
-the adult monk leaps up on to the pole again and does 1 full turn, dropping the pole as he lands moving straight into a forwards roll
-very exciting and engaging for audiences to watch, monkey Kung Fu use of staff technique
Describe another highlight seen at the end of this section and interpret it
-the adult monk holding the pole does a brief horizontal swipe over Dong Dong and a turn to finish in a crouch position, which causes Dong Dong to do 2 back handsprings and then a forwards roll USL
-the speed of this movement and the use of the pole makes it a highlight and it is like the final burst of energy in this playful section
-shows acrobatic influence
How and why is repetition used by the young monk?
-Dong Dong copies the movements that the adult monk did, first the counter balance on the pole, then the single pirouette dropping the pole to forwards roll out of the turn
-he is taking the role of the student in this section, trying to copy the older monk
-also a monkey reference as monkeys copy one another for survival purposes
How does the relationship between the young and older monk develop?
-towards the end of the section there is a power struggle between them, they are both holding either end of the pole and there is a small gentle tussle between them, with the adult monk being successful causing DD to fall backwards onto the floor
-this shows there relationship as being equal to each other, DD isn’t the student, but he still isn’t as successful/ skilful as the older monks yet
Explain the significance of the dramatic lighting change from section 9 solo to section 10 monkey
-in section 9 the whole stage is dark except for one spotlight on Larbi’s box DSR. In the transition there is a brief black out which then goes into a full wash of light over the entire stage.
-this could portray the natural light of the temple and how Larbi is now opening up spiritually compared to his mental isolation, or the divine presence of Dong Dong being being the innocent spiritual guide at the temple
What is the physical setting for this section including formation of boxes, props, lighting, costume
-the boxes are in the same position as they were in for section 8 forest, and during section 9 box, which is USL = they haven’t moved as it gives the dancers plenty of space for these sections of movement
-props= Dong Dong picks up the metal pole that Larbi dropped as he walked across the stage in section 8, and this is what him and the older monk use to do their monkey Kung Fu tricks on
-lighting = in contrast to section 9 is a bright full wash of the entire stage to reflect playfulness of section
-costume = the older monk is back dressed in his normal training robes
What key themes and starting points are seen in this section?
-the staff as a starting point= monks known for their superior staff techniques, which also acts as a source of movement
-Buddhist philosophy= the young monk copies the older monk a lot in this section which could show the passing down of the Buddhist philosophy and traditions
What is the main source of movement for this section?
-traditional Kung Fu form, for this section it is the monkey Kung fu which comes under animal forms. Lots of monkey gestures are behaviours are shown throughout this section
