Wildlife and Roughcut

Question 1

Wildlife (1984) ->

Answer 1

-Choreographer = Richard Alston
-Lighting designer = Peter Mumford
-Composer = Nigel Osbourne
-Set = Richard Smith
-A collaboration between the set designer, the composer and the choreographer

Question 2

What is the theme of Wildlife?

Answer 2

-It is inspired by the work ‘Yellow Pages’ - brightly multi-coloured kites as well as moving elements in the air
-The piece is about an imaginary world, in which it is normal for humans and kites to interact, it is inspired by nature but not about it, a unique fantasy land with its own logic. This is brought to life by the set.

Question 3

What is the physical setting of Wildlife?

Answer 3

-There is a zig zag design of oversized kites crossed over - reflect the light - change colour and formation
-The kites have several cut out holes with various shapes
-The kites are flown in and out of the stage and can be rotated

Question 4

How many dancers are there in Wildlife?

Answer 4

-6 dancers - 3 males - 3 females

Question 5

What are the costumes in Wildlife?

Answer 5

-They are brightly coloured unitards in colours such as yellow, pink blue and green - classic Rambert - highlighting the lines of the body

Question 6

What instruments are used?

Answer 6

-There is an eclectic mix of cultural instruments including flute and clarinet
-No lyrics, uses trumpet fan fairs
-Use of string quartet for slower part of the music - creates an eerie atmosphere

Question 7

What is the structure of Wildlife?

Answer 7

-No structure

Question 8

Roughcut (1990) ->

Answer 8

-Choreographer = Richard Alston
-Composer = Steve Ryke - a minimalist composer
-Set = Tim Harley
-Lighting = Peter Mumford

Question 9

How many dancers are there in Roughcut?

Answer 9

-10 dancers - 5 male - 5 female
-Young dancers, more energetic, drive of the rhythmic pulse of the music, movement continuous throughout

Question 10

What is the physical setting (set) in Roughcut?

Answer 10

-Bare stage, white floor, black cyc

Question 11

What are the costumes in Roughcut?

Answer 11

-Females wear all white costumes - white vest top and white trousers
-Males wear black vest top and white trousers

Question 12

What is the theme of Roughcut?

Answer 12

-Unfinished/informal - its springs a long - the dance isn’t cleaned up or ordered

Question 13

What is the structure of Roughcut?

Answer 13

-Follows the phrasing and the structure of the music

Question 14

How does Alston compare to Glen Tetley?

Answer 14

-Use of Graham rather than Cunningham technique
-Both often used a minimalistic, austere set
-Both mainly made plotless works

Question 15

In Wildlife, how did the dancers find the choreography?

Answer 15

-Challenging and exposing

Question 16

What were the differences between Wildlife and the other key works?

Answer 16

-More of a lavish set design
-Costumes are more colourful than the other costumes which are more monochromatic
-Choreography was very challenging and exposing for the dancers

Question 17

What is a major similarity between all of the key works?

Answer 17

-The interactive use of set design