Set Design and Thematic Elements

The set design for Artificial Things is integral to conveying the piece's themes and atmosphere. The backdrop features painted heavy vertical lines with paint running down, creating a stark visual that reinforces the cold, desolate mood of the performance. This design choice is deliberate, emphasizing the themes of isolation and confinement.

A notable element of the set is a headless mannequin perched on the stage, which serves as a powerful visual metaphor. The presence of paper snow on the floor further enhances the wintry, isolated atmosphere, directly tying into the snow globe imagery that inspired the piece.

Highlight: The combination of the painted backdrop, headless mannequin, and paper snow creates a multi-layered visual representation of the piece's themes.

The set design effectively transforms the stage into a living snow globe, reflecting the choreographic intention of exploring life's limitations and the feeling of being confined within artificial constructs. This visual metaphor is crucial in helping the audience understand and connect with the dancers' experiences of limitation and resolution.

Example: The vertical lines on the backdrop could be interpreted as bars or boundaries, visually representing the limitations and confinements explored in the dance.

The overall effect of the set design contributes significantly to the Artificial Things stimulus, creating an environment that supports and enhances the dancers' movements and the piece's narrative. It allows the audience to feel as if they are looking into a snow globe, observing the dancers navigate their personal limitations and the artificial constructs of their environment.

Vocabulary: In set design, ambient atmosphere refers to the overall mood or feeling created by the visual elements on stage.

By emphasizing the desolate mood and the concept of living within artificial things, the set design becomes an active participant in the storytelling process of the dance. It visually reinforces the idea that the dancers are navigating their personal limitations within a confined, artificial space, making the Artificial Things choreographic intention more tangible for the audience.

Choreographer and Company

Lucy Bennett choreographed Artificial Things for Stopgap Dance Company, focusing on inclusive contemporary dance. The choreographic approach involved collaboration with the dancers, with Laura serving as the primary source of movement, which was then adapted by David and Amy, with Tash contributing to the setting.

Highlight: The collaborative nature of the choreography emphasizes the inclusive approach of Stopgap Dance Company.

Stimulus and Choreographic Intention

The piece was inspired by various stimuli, including an image of an isolated figure on a collapsed wheelchair in a snow-covered landscape, viewed as if through a snow globe. Paintings by Goran Djurovic and the dancers' personal experiences also influenced the work.

Definition: Stimulus in dance refers to the inspiration or starting point for creating a piece.

The choreographic intention explores life's limitations and resolution, the gaze of others, and the feeling of being constricted within a metaphorical snow globe.

Vocabulary: Choreographic intention refers to the main idea or message that the choreographer aims to convey through the dance.

Aural Setting and Costume

The aural setting includes ambient sounds like wind and crunching noises, as well as piano music with notes played and strings strummed to create a whooshing sound. This soundscape contributes to the overall atmosphere of the piece.

Example: The use of strummed piano strings to create a whooshing sound adds to the cold, wintery atmosphere suggested by the visual elements.

Costumes vary for each dancer, allowing for individual expression within the ensemble.

Lighting and Set Design

The lighting design features two white spotlights positioned downstage right and center stage. A blue wash is used for the trio section, while a deep blue central spotlight illuminates the pares solo. Amber sidelights are employed for group sections.

The set design for Artificial Things is crucial in creating the desired atmosphere. It consists of a painted backdrop with heavy vertical lines where paint runs down, emphasizing the cold and desolate mood. A headless mannequin is perched on the set, and paper snow covers the floor, further enhancing the wintry, isolated feel.

Highlight: The set design plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere of confinement and isolation central to the piece's themes.