Choreography references

For my choreography I am mainly taking inspiration from Merce Cunningham and his principles of movement, outlined in his piece “Exchange”, and Matthew Barney’s “Redoubt” which I have discussed before.

“Exchange” is a unique piece as it is performed without music and the performers are very much in sync with each other. In a YouTube video I watched (linked) various people take you through Cuningham’s methods, describing circular movements, angular movements and irregular movements being at the core of his piece. I plan to show my performers this, as well as “First Light” and “Redoubt” as these all contain elements that I wish to explore in my film, in terms of movement and the underlying tensions that can be created.

In addition, the painting “The Raft of the Medusa” is something that I will be referencing in terms of composition and lighting, as there is such tension and anguish at play here. I think the paintings themes from an eco-critical point of view are also very pertinent, as there are the threats of cannibalism, pollution, defilement and death at play. These underlying tensions create a scene that assaults them senses and triggers the disgust reflex.

Overall, I want the choreography to be angular, animalistic and the anti-thesis of graceful. I think having this scene filled with fabrics and femme bodies be contrasted with jarring movements, feral energy and twisting, contouring bodies, will be an interesting way to explore the ideas I have about claustrophobia and anxiety that is triggered by the climate crisis.