Section 14- Domitory

Question 1

What is the physical setting/ box formation for this section, and give the interpretation

Answer 1

-the boxes are lay horizontally and stacked to create a 4x4 cube of boxes, with the openings facing downstage. There is a monk lay inside every box. Larbi and Dong Dong are stood up on Larbi’s metal box DSR which is vertical
-the lighting on stage is fairly dark, but there is an overhead light shining onto the boxes
-creates the feel of nighttime, a bedroom or dormitory
-it shows old China = temple sleeping is stripped back to basics, very minimal and simple
-also new China = as high population density forced to build accommodation upwards, coffin apartments and crampness

Question 2

Describe how the monk moves across the stacked boxes and give the interpretation

Answer 2

-one monk climbs out of his box and up to the top of the boxes positioned stage right and he does a backbend into a bridge and walks backwards along the top of the boxes from the USR corner box to USL corner box. Once he gets to the end he does a walkover kicking his legs to stand up
-shows Buddhist philosophy with strength in physical and mental ability to be safe and overcome fear, their beliefs will protect them from danger
-starting point of Bruce Lee and Kung fu= the walking in the bridge isn’t strict Kung fu, but requires the flexibility, strength and balance that are transferable from Kung fu, it is a stunt and highlight

Question 3

What do the monks all do inside the boxes and what does it show

Answer 3

-all the monks are lay on their backs inside the boxes and they begin sliding their feet along the tops of the boxes creating a screechy sound, then they begin banging their hands and feet on the sides of the boxes. One by one they then roll out of their boxes onto the floor
-the screeching and noise is uncomfortable to listen to, suggesting the monks are suffering in these small living apartments, they’re frustrated and penned in. Roll out to the floor again shows Buddhist bravery

Question 4

Explain the change in formation and physical setting and aural setting, and describe some key movements from this sequence

Answer 4

-the monks stand in a triangle formation with the point at the front, and they perform movement inspired by tai chi. In a pile in second they raise their arms up in front of the body in parallel with dropped wrists. They bring their hands in towards the chest, lift up onto a rise, then push their hands forwards and away from the body as they lower, performed in a reverting canon. They all end with a circle of the arms up above the head then pushing the hands down = tai chi morning sequence
-lighting changes to a bright wash = new dawn new day
-calm meladoic piano

Question 5

What is Larbi doing at the same time?

Answer 5

-he watches the monks begin their tai chi sequence walking between them all, then begins to climb up the boxes into the USR box and lies down, then turns to be upside down sitting in the box