Shadows Flashcards
Choreographer
Christopher Bruce
Company
Phoenix Dance Theatre
Premiere Date
26th November 2014
Dance style
Modern Dance Technique. Combination of classical and contemporary dance language.
Styles express themes shown in the work
Starting Point/Stimulus
Arvo Pärt’s ‘Fratres’ for violin and piano was the starting point.
Choreographic Intention/Theme
A political message, inviting the audience into the world of a family coming to terms with deprivation, poverty and what is waiting beyond the door.
Family waiting to get their call to camp
Horrors of Eastern Europe in WW2 - also other conflicts context
Dancers
4
2 x M
2 x F
Choreographic approach
Bruce does not prepare movement in advance - preferring to be influenced by and weak with the dancers
Structure
Semi-narrative. Each character has their own moment → solo or duet
Aural Composer and Overview
Eastern European music → about their history + culture
minimalistic
steeped in human suffering
Arvo Pärt → Fratres.
Wanted dance + music to link directly
Aural composer and overview of ‘Shadows’
Costume designer and overview
1930s-40s era
Traditional + old — clearly gendered
Plain + simple - worn out + dull — muted colours = war
Mother = floral dress — muted colours + patterns
Children at end — coats too big
Father = formal shirts + waistcoat
Daughter = pleated skirt + white blouse
Lighting designer and overview
Metaphorical or literal shadow — pass by
Symbolising danger + fear
Lighting obscured as though someone walks infront
Side lights
Downstage bright
Performance environment
Atmosphere created
Audience engaged in atmosphere
To be interpreted however
Set designer + staging
Table
Bench
2x stools
Upstage left props as well
Hat stand with clothing
Luggage for end
