Swansong

Question 1

When was swansong first performed

Answer 1

1987

Question 2

What styles are found within Christopher Bruces’ swansong

Answer 2

Contemporary
Jazz
Tap
Ballet
Ballroom

Question 3

Why does Bruce use human rights as a stimulus?

Answer 3

This allows Bruce to educate an audience whilst also entertaining, he states that ‘social and political themes emerge naturally as a reflection of his own concerns.’

Question 4

Where can the use of characterization be seen in swansong?

Answer 4

This can be seen through the contrast in dynamics, the two dancers representing the guards have sharper and harsher movements compared to the prisoners softer style.

Question 5

Where can the use of the combination of contemporary and ballet be seen in swansong?

Answer 5

A grande jete on turnon with assistance from the two guards, this uses ballet vocabulary but as it is a male lifting a male it shows a more contemporary feeling.

Stag jumps, ballet leaps, use of floor, pointed toes

Question 6

Where can the use of narrative be seen in swansong?

Answer 6

Soloist/prisoner attempts to fight of guards using chair (of which is a repeated motif), guards remove chair from him in turn taking his human rights away.

Guards clap, prisoner moves, a sense of fear.

Question 7

Where can the use of music be seen in swansong?

Answer 7

The music becomes more gentle during the prisoners lyrical style solo.

The music compliments the harsh tap.

Silence when chair is slammed.