Section 6- Lotus Flashcards
Why does Larbi pull the box over himself?
-to show his physical and mental creative fatigue and how he left the Uk to go to the temple to learn about the monks lifestyle and recover from the exhaustion. The temple is an isolated place away from the busy western life which is representative of him disappearing into the box. This movement come on the descending scale showing use of music visualisation
Describe the dramatic outburst at the start of this section
-the lighting resumes to a brightly lit stage and all of the monks shout then forwards roll out of the boxes in unison to create 2 vertical lines, one side in a second plié with arms out to the side and upturned palms, the other side in a lunge with hands in fists. They then run back into their boxes but knocking them down so they fall with a bang in a canon.
-contrast of serenity with intensity for audience
What movement involving Dong Dong creates humour and why?
-after Dong Dong knocks on Larbi’s box he begins to walk upstage. As he does so 2 of the monks sit up lifting their heads out of the boxes, then quickly disappear when Dong Dong turns around to check if he saw anything. This happens again making the audience laugh again to break up the intensity of the previous moments
Describe how Dong Dong is sat on top of the box in the middle of the lotus flower formation and what gestures he does here and why
-he is sat with his legs crossed on the centre box under a bright pool of light, and he does a series of hand gestures. First in prayer, then lifts hand up and then down, then does the chinmudra
-the crossed legs is a symbol of Buddhism showing its philosophy, but could also be a yoga reference and a child reference
Describe the movement where the boxes are lowered including the sound used to initiate this and the interpretation
-the tam tam is a symbol which is played, causing the monks to begin lowering their boxes. They are in a crouch behind the boxes facing out of the circle, and very slowly begin tipping the boxes at an angle until they reach the floor. Once they reach the floor all the monks in unison forwards roll inside of the boxes very carefully. The bright pool of central light could represent a spiritual light or divine presence shining down on the lotus making it blossom. The shadows that the boxes create on the floor also creates another dimension to this imagery appearing like another layer of petals. Aural setting is a constant sound of the violin creating a serene atmosphere to not detract from the blossoming.
-it is this movement which shows the imagery of the lotus flower which is a key Buddhist symbol and shows the monks serenity and peace they have found within the temple
What movement is Larbi doing whilst the monks control the blossoming of the flower on stage and why?
-Larbi is in his own metal box DSR which is stood up vertically, and inside he performs a headstand.
-could show how Larbi is the foreigner and how this was a journey for him, he got to experience the lifestyle of the monks and the upside down orientation as previously seen in ‘Box’ could show his new perspective on life and on dance.
Describe and interpret one of the gestures Dong Dong does whilst on top of the box
-he makes the chinmudra gestural position where he is holding the thumb and index finger together with the other 3 fingers extended out. This position means consciousness and it’s purpose is to remind the individual of the goal of yoga which is union of the individual soul with the supreme soul
-Dong Dong does this therefore to show his peace of mind and show the control of the monks lowering the boxes
Describe the final moment of this section and why Larbi did this
-Dong Dong still on top of the box begins to shake and wobble eventually causing him to fall off of the box and run towards Larbi.
-Larbi has done this to once again contrast the peace and serenity with intensity. It acts as a reminder that although the monks practice this Buddhist Philosophy and spirituality their ultimate role is to defend and protect their temple from attackers
