VIEWING: https://www-ontheboards-tv.unr.idm.oclc.org/performances/construct?ip_login_no_cache=%C0%9F%3E%FDhG%C8z#about
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In this paper you will be doing a close “reading” (choreographic analysis) of the piece construct, choreographed by Tanja Liedtke. You will need to do research on Liedtke, her background and choreographic process (both in general and for this specific project), to provide some context for the piece. You will also want to use commentary from established dance critics (and possibly the artist herself) to back up your analysis. This investigation, however, will be focused on what makes the dance “tick” and uncovering the possible reasons that the artist made particular choices. Think of the dance as an interesting organism and dissect it the way you would if you were a scientist. Or, if dissection is not your thing, think of the dance as a complicated text and unravel it the way you might in a Literature course. Your goal is to figure this piece out (at least for yourself) and offer interesting, and potentially new, information to future viewers. Since this is an evening-length piece (about 60 minutes) you will need to focus your analysis and descriiption on a meaty section or several sections of the work that illustrate the crux of your interpretation of the dance as a whole.
What stands out to you (a certain section of the dance, a repeated theme, a movement/gestural motif)?
What is the title of the dance? How do the prominent choreographic elements (including movement, music, and theatrical elements) relate to the title?
Are there characters? If so, how are they defined? What is the interaction between the dancers and how does this interaction shape narrative?
Who or what enters the space first? How does the piece unfold?
How would you describe the movement?
What seem to be some of the primary considerations of the choreographer in terms of the creation of the movement (space, time, energy, relationship, etc.)?
Do your second viewing following your research and be prepared to hit pause (or even rewind) as you’re watching. In this viewing you should be working to hone your analysis and to choose sections of the dance that really emphasize your key points and directly support your thesis about the piece as a whole. By the second viewing you should have a working thesis statement that addresses what the choreographer is saying/exploring in this work (ex: In Zvi Gotheiner’s work Chairs he explores the myriad of different relationships we can engage in over a lifetime and how physical boundaries affect the construction of these relationships) and how/where this is best illustrated in the piece (ex: This is most clearly illustrated in three duets, each with a different number of chairs and a strikingly different statement on shared space). You should plan to spend more time on this viewing so give yourself at least a two-hour block of time.
Your paper should do the following:
Provide context for construct, including the following information:
Date and location of premiere
Date and location for the performance viewed
Background information on Tanja Liedtke (including choreographic influences)
Background on Liedtke’s choreographic process (in general and for this work specifically)
Any information, relevant to your analysis, about this work. This could include information on artistic collaborators, responses from critics, information from interviews with Liedtke, etc.
Provide in-depth analysis of construct, offering an interpretation that is supported by thorough descriiption of the movement AND theatrical elements. This analysis should also draw from published reviews (when appropriate) and other source information.
