Artificial Things

Question 1

Who choreographed Artificial Things?

Answer 1

Lucy Bennett

Question 2

What is the dance style of Stopgap Dance Company?

Answer 2

Inclusive contemporary dance

This style emphasizes collaboration among diverse dancers.

Question 3

What is the date of Stopgap’s first performance of Artificial Things?

Answer 3

5 February 2014

Question 4

What is the choreographic approach used by Lucy Bennett?

Answer 4

Collaborative approach

Dancers are encouraged to actively contribute through choreographic tasks.

Question 5

What inspired the embryonic image for Artificial Things?

Answer 5

A snow-covered urban landscape with an isolated figure on a collapsed wheelchair

This image serves as a central motif for the production.

Question 6

Which artist’s paintings influenced the design and choreographic images in the scenes?

Answer 6

Goran Djurovic

His mysterious paintings contributed to the overall aesthetic of the production.

Question 7

How has Laura Jones contributed to the choreography?

Answer 7

Her movement in her wheelchair has driven much of the material

This material has been translated by standing dancers David Willdridge and Amy Butler.

Question 8

What does Stopgap value in its approach to dance?

Answer 8

A pioneering spirit

This reflects their commitment to integrating disabled and non-disabled individuals through dance.

Question 9

What is the main theme of scene three in Artificial Things?

Answer 9

Characters coming to terms with life’s limitations and individual regrets

The scene symbolizes confinement and the gaze of ‘the other’.

Question 10

How many dancers are involved in scene three of Artificial Things?

Answer 10

4 dancers (2 male / 2 female)

The scene features a balanced representation of genders.

Question 11

What is the duration of scene three in Artificial Things?

Answer 11

20 minutes

Question 12

Describe the structure of scene three in Artificial Things.

Answer 12

Two duets, group unification with wheelchair, trio harmony, David Toole’s solo, and final stillness

The scene progresses from individual to collective movement.

Question 13

What type of work is involved in the first duet of scene three?

Answer 13

Ground-based contact work involving a dismantled wheelchair

Question 14

What influences the second duet in scene three?

Answer 14

Improvisation around the idea of inviting touch, leading, and following

Question 15

What does David Toole’s solo focus on?

Answer 15

Facial expression and physical storytelling

His solo is a tribute to his father.

Question 16

What song accompanies David Toole’s solo?

Answer 16

‘The Sunshine of Your Smile’

Question 17

What is the aural setting designed by Andy Higgs meant to convey?

Answer 17

A futuristic atmosphere acknowledging the passage of time and breakdown of old ways

Question 18

What sound elements are incorporated into the aural setting of scene three?

Answer 18

Cold ambient sound, paper snow, distant rumble, wind, and footsteps through snow

Question 19

What colors dominate the costumes designed by Anna Jones?

Answer 19

Blue and green

Question 20

What visual effect do the costumes create during scene three?

Answer 20

Looks as if paint is running from the garments

This references being stuck in one of Djurovic’s paintings.

Question 21

How does the lighting designed by Chahine Yavrovan change throughout the performance?

Answer 21

Focuses on spots, opens out with a blue wash, and closes down for the final solo

Question 22

What is the performance environment for Artificial Things?

Answer 22

Proscenium arch

Question 23

What influences the staging and set design by Anna Jones?

Answer 23

Paintings from the ‘Unknown Secrets’ collection by Goran Djurovic

Question 24

What visual change occurs in the backdrop from scenes one and two to scene three?

Answer 24

Brightly colored strips are removed to create calmer visuals

This signifies a change of mood.

Question 25

What is scattered on the ground in scene three?

Answer 25

Paper snow

Question 26

What does the dance floor look like in scene three?

Answer 26

Light grey with a wooden frame to symbolise the vitrine

Question 27

What does the wooden frame around the dance floor reflect?

Answer 27

The color, shape, and restriction of the vitrine

Question 28

True or False: The audience views the performance as if looking into a snow globe.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

Who is **Lucy Bennett**?

Answer 29

Artistic Director of Stopgap Dance Company ## Footnote Stopgap creates original dance productions with exceptional disabled and non-disabled dancers, touring nationally and internationally.

Question 30

What was the initial stimulus for the choreography of **scene three** in **Artificial Things**?

Answer 30

A day-dream about being trapped inside a snow globe ## Footnote The idea involved creating a sad scene within a snow globe, inspired by the image of a dancer on a collapsed wheelchair.

Question 31

How does Stopgap Dance Company develop their ideas?

Answer 31

* Collective devising * Improvisation and filming * Picking out movements to develop ## Footnote The company emphasizes collaboration and personal stories in their work.

Question 32

What is the significance of the **final solo** by **Dave Toole**?

Answer 32

It is very personal to him and dedicated to his family ## Footnote The solo features music that his father used to sing.

Question 33

What is the purpose of the **springboard workshops** at Stopgap?

Answer 33

To invite like-minded teachers and choreographers to help with the process ## Footnote These workshops provide foundational skills for the dancers.

Question 34

What emotions does the audience experience throughout **Artificial Things**?

Answer 34

* Curiosity in scene one * Shock and surprise in scene two * Resolution and harmony in scene three ## Footnote The final scene allows the audience to observe the dancers in a state of shock and rebuilding.

Question 35

What influences did Lucy Bennett consider when creating movement material?

Answer 35

* Improvisation * Filming * Historical portraits ## Footnote The dancers looked at facial expressions and physicality from the past to inform their movements.

Question 36

What motifs are essential to **scene three**?

Answer 36

* Echoes of scene one * Similar movements portrayed differently * Tumbling sequences with details from Laura's movement vocabulary ## Footnote The dancers blend their physicalities while maintaining unison.

Question 37

Describe the **structure** of **scene three**.

Answer 37

Slow and gradual build-up to a climax ## Footnote This structure contrasts with the more boisterous scenes one and two, allowing for audience reflection.

Question 38

What decisions were made regarding the **number and gender** of dancers in scene three?

Answer 38

* Two female dancers * Two male dancers ## Footnote The change in dynamics with one strong presence missing was explored.

Question 39

What was the staging concept for **Artificial Things**?

Answer 39

Set within an artificial world, resembling a display cabinet ## Footnote The design was influenced by artist Goran Djurovic and aimed to reflect politics and group dynamics.

Question 40

What lighting decisions were made for **scene three**?

Answer 40

Gradual build-up of light, creating a filmic look ## Footnote The lighting designer aimed for a warm sunrise effect throughout the piece.

Question 41

How did the **costume design** reflect the themes of scene three?

Answer 41

Worn-down, ghostly figures with washed-out costumes ## Footnote The design allowed for visibility of movement material.

Question 42

What role did **Andy Higgs** play in the accompaniment for scene three?

Answer 42

Worked on a piano composition reflecting the first composer ## Footnote He observed the dancers and incorporated snowy soundscapes into the music.

Question 43

How did Andy Higgs collaborate with the dancers?

Answer 43

He observed and improvised while they danced, gradually building the composition ## Footnote He worked closely with Dave on the solo, incorporating a track significant to Dave's family.

Question 44

What feelings does Lucy Bennett want the audience to experience in scene three?

Answer 44

* Harmony within the group * Resolution and peace * A tinge of sadness about the past ## Footnote The audience is encouraged to connect with the themes of rebuilding and moving forward.

Question 45

What particular moments should the audience look out for?

Answer 45

* Unison of non-disabled dancers translating Laura's movement * Dave Toole's end solo and the significance of the headless dummy ## Footnote These moments highlight the harmony and storytelling within the choreography.