Artificial Things

• Choreographer


  Lucy Bennett
• Company


  Stopgap Dance Company
• Date of Performance


  2014
• Dance Style


  Inclusive Contemporary Dance
• Choreographic Approach


  Collaborative approach and Task setting , translating movements from Laura in the wheelchair by the standing dancers, personal stories.
• Stimulus


  Image of a covered urban landscape in a snow globe being watched from afar, mysterious paintings by Goran Djurovic, personal stories and experiences
• Choreographic Intention


  Life's limitations, the characters coming together to find resolution over the horrible thing that has happened, Constriction within a snowglobe, Living with regrets and history repeating itself.
• Choice of Dancers


  4, One dancer has been removed in scene 3 to give a sense of loss to the audience
• Structure


  Ground based contact duet, standing duet, quartet dismantling wheelchair, Trio, Family portraits, Dave's end solo. Just scene 3: The aftermath of the tragedy that has happened.
• Aural Setting Description


  Wind sounds, crunching sounds, clock chimes, both sides of piano being used, 'The Sunshine of Your Smile' song.
• Aural Setting Explanation


  SOLIDFACE: Links to stimulus, season, location, choreographic intent, mood, movement, structure, lighting (Explain HOW?)
• Costume Description


  Laura: White sleeveless top with bright blue streaks. Grey trousers with pleats. Blue belt and black heeled shoes.

  Amy: Green. Thigh length sleeveless dress with streaks of blue and grey. Side vents and peter pan collar.

  Dave: Pale green collared short sleeved shirt with pocket and darker grey streaks. Grey trousers.

  David: White collard short sleeved shirt with streaks of blue and green. Blue/grey trousers.
• Costume Explanation


  SOLIDFACE: Links to stimulus, set design, highlights dancer, movement, choreographic intent (Explain HOW?)
• Lighting Description


  During Dave and Laura's sitting duet there are 2 white spotlights downstage right and centre stage. During David and Amy's standing duet. There is a spot centre and amber upstage sidle lights . During the trio sections the lights open up to a blue wash with cool side lighting. There is an amber light over Dave who is upstage watching the action.
• Lighting Explanation


  SOLIDFACE: Links to stimulus, season, moos, structure, restricts space, divides space, highlights the dancer, choreographic intent (Explain HOW?)
• Set Design Description


  Influenced by •‘Unknown Secrets’collection by Goran Djurovic. Wooden border, cream backcloth with paint streaks dripping down, display cabinet, snow scattered on floor, 3 stools and headless mannequin.
• Set Design Explanation


  SOLIDFACE: Links to stimulus, season, lighting, location, mood, movement, costume (Explain, HOW?)
• Performance Environment


  Proscenium Arch
• Action Examples


  Turn, Reach, Fall, Stillness in portraits
• Space Examples


  Circular pathways on floor and arm movements suggesting tracks in the snow. Downstage used in first duet being restricted in snowglobe.
• Dynamic Examples


  Soft, fluid throughout and then in Gliding section throw and whip suggesting playing in the snow.
• Relationship Examples


  Contact (Hover lift) Mirroring (Facing each other with arms at 90 degrees)
• Choreographic Device Examples


  Unison: Use of Harmonious unison to show rebuilding and a sense of togetherness. Contrast: Family portraits section.