Swansong Flashcards
(31 cards)
Who choreographed Swansong?
Christopher Bruce
In what year was the premiere of Swansong?
1986
Who composed the accompaniment for Swansong?
Philip Chambon
Who designed the lighting for Swansong?
David Mohr
Who designed the costume for Swansong?
Christopher Bruce
Who designed the set for Swansong?
Christopher Bruce
What type of staging is used in Swansong?
Proscenium
How many dancers are in Swansong?
Three men (also performed by three woman, and a mixed cast)
What dance styles can you see in Swansong?
Contemporary, physical contact, balletic movements, reference to social and political dance
What is the structure of Swansong?
EPISODIC; introduction followed by seven sections. The victim remains on stage throughout and performs a solo in section three which has motifs that are repeated and/or developed in sections five and seven.
What is the theme of Swansong?
Human rights; prisoner of conscience
Name the 4 props used in Swansong
Canes, cigarettes, comedy red nose, chair
Why is the chair in Swansong a significant prop?
it acts as a safe place for the prisoner
it us
Describe the mood/atmosphere of the set
eerie, dark, intimidating
Describe the costumes of the guards
khaki, military like, formal, trousers, shirt, smart, smart shoes, belt, of a higher status than the prisoner
Describe the costumes of the prisoner
faded red short sleeved t-shirt, worn blue denim jeans, black soft shoes, distressed looking, everyday persons clothing, dishevelled hair
Why can we hear the steps of the dancers?
there are floor speakers amplifying the sounds the dancers make
When the dancers are tapping out rhythms to each other what is this trying to suggest?
That they are having a conversation. As the steps become quicker the sound of the steps increase suggesting that the conversation is becoming intense.
In which sections does the prisoner perform a solo?
2,5 and 7
How is the prisoners solo developed throughout the piece?
it is performed in silence, the ‘bird wing’ motif is developed on the floor and there is a change in speed due to the dramatic music in the final section.
Describe the accompaniment of Swansong
an electric score of digitally manipulated sound, there a sound effects of birds and the natural world and a high pitched scream/shouting.
What does the set design, accompaniment and costume all have in common?
They are simplistic allowing for focus to be on the choreography. Another reason being that the simplistic and MINIMAL effect connotes a prison cell and the lack of human rights the prisoner has.
What was the stimulus/starting point of Swansong?
Christopher Bruce saying goodbye to his career as a dancer and the work of Amnesty International.
Is the cast of swansong small, medium or large?
small
