Justitia (2007) Flashcards
What is the subject matter of justita?
-a daring, sharp edged piece of physical dance theatre that delves into the depth of our justice system, inviting the audience on an investigative journey as it unravels the multiple truths concealed behind a gripping crime story. In a film-like replay of events, the audience witnesses the action from different perspectives through the use of a large revolving stage, acting as the jury.
What quote does vardimon say which inspired this work?
“Does what we see dictate our point of view, or does our point of view dictate what we see?”
Who are the 8 characters in the dance?
-mimi kim
-seth marvel
-Charlie cane
-victoria (lawyer)
-TJ
-the neighbour
-lady Justice
-stenographer
What does the title justitia mean?
It’s Latin for lady justice, the Roman goddess of justice
Describe and interpret the physical setting for this work
-a circular rotating stage with 3 rooms to it: Charlie and mimis flat, the courtroom, and a final room which is changed depending on the scene
-the circular form creates the perspective that you can never see the full story, and that it’s never ending, keep going round in circles trying to figure out who’s guilty
Describe and interpret a movement that shows the “inclusion of technology as part of the process and outcome”
-the projector screen is used right at the end during mimis confession = she is sat down on a chair against the wall which has a window. She speaks in her native language whilst the English translation is projected onto the screen above. She says “I’m here because I’m guilty, guilty of saving a life… I took a life to save a life, my baby’s life”
-this is something that could not be presented through movement as is too detailed and provides a lot of context for the audience. Reading the script on the screen as mimi speaks it reinforces it to the audience by making it feel more engaging as has to read text, can’t zone out
-influence of dance theatre and pina bausch multidisciplinary production
Describe and interpret a movement which shows nothing is ruled out
-when Seth and Mimi are in the flat and there’s a scene of sexual assault = Mimi leans forwards and Seth looks up her skirt, then tosses her around by the head as she screams and tries to hit Seth back. He takes her top off so she is completely exposed on stage
-it is unusual to see such extreme and explicit, graphic acting in a dance work, with one of the female dancers being semi naked on stage. Is necessary however to make story line believable, physical theatre
-influence of issues within society, using theatre as a safe place to address this
Describe and interpret another movement which shows nothing is ruled out
-inappropriate gestures= during the military scene with the trio of males, Charlie, Seth and TJ, they perform a series of military actions including jumps backwards with the arms behind the head like sit ups, and press-ups, as well as rude gestures, swearing, and the hitler salute
-this is very unusual to be seen in a dance work
-influence of issues within society using theatre as a safe place
-influence of kibbutz freedom = responsibility
Describe and interpret a movement which shows “use of physical setting to enhance the communication of the choreographic intention”
-the positioning of the chairs= when in Seth’s therapy session the chairs are always positioned in a circle. In unison the characters cross their leg over and shake it whilst their hand shakes near their mouth, showing their anxiousness. Seth asks “who wants to start?” And they all dive onto the floor. We know through the arrangement of the chairs what the scene is, and we can see how Seth manipulates them. The unison shows how guilt is uniting all dancers
Describe and interpret another movement which shows “use of physical setting to enhance the communication of the choreographic intention”
-video game scene = there is a table which is used as a platform for Seth and Mimi like bricks/ create levels to jump to. One movement is where both stood on table facing opposite each other and in slow motion they back bend waving their arms like they’re falling, but they’re being supported by dancers dressed in all black to create the impression they’re not there. Video game music is played in the background to enhance the atmosphere and make it clear for the audience
-pina Bausch dance theatre multidisciplinary production
Describe and interpret a movement which shows “willingness to make a statement on society and its issues”
-reference to effect of alcohol= in Charlie and Mimis flat they are with Seth and perform a gestural sequence with shot glasses showing the prosecution that they were drunk. They are sat on the sofa and take a shot and stick their tongue out then stand up and take another shot
-this is a message to society on the dangerous effects alcohol can have and it’s ability to change behaviour in a negative way
-influence of issues with society
-kinbutz freedom = responsibility
Describe and interpret another movement which shows “willingness to make a statement on society and its issues”
-the lawyers own confession and guilt = the lawyer Victoria is shown to deteriorate throughout the work. In a therapy session she says “I killed someone
