Who choreographed Shadows?
Christopher Bruce
Christopher Bruce is noted as the last major choreographer nurtured by Marie Rambert.
What is Phoenix Dance Theatre known for?
It is one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies
Founded in 1981, it began by performing work created within the company.
What is the date of the first performance of ‘Shadows’?
26 November 2014
What is the signature movement style of Christopher Bruce?
Neo-classical, grounded in modern dance techniques
This term refers to a blend of classical and contemporary dance language.
What is Bruce’s choreographic approach?
He does not prepare movement before entering the studio
He prefers to be influenced by the dancers.
What was the initial concept for ‘Shadows’?
A family unit sitting around the hearth or dinner table
This concept includes furniture as an intrinsic part of the choreography.
What piece of music served as the stimulus for ‘Shadows’?
Arvo Part’s Fratres for violin and piano
The music evokes images of European history and tradition.
What themes does Christopher Bruce’s work often explore?
- Political awareness
- Effects of political events on human life
In ‘Shadows’, these themes are explored through the lens of a small family.
How many dancers are featured in ‘Shadows’?
4 dancers (2 male / 2 female)
What is the duration of ‘Shadows’?
12 minutes
What is the structure of ‘Shadows’?
Semi-narrative
The piece includes solo, duet, trio, and quartet formations.
What is the aural setting of ‘Shadows’?
Arvo Part’s Fratres (composed in 1977)
The music is integral to the dark, solemn atmosphere of the piece.
What costume design elements are featured in ‘Shadows’?
- Gendered costumes
- Depicting the era of the 1930s-1940s
- Muted colors symbolizing deprivation
Costumes include simple shirts, skirts, trousers, and oversized jackets.
Who designed the lighting for ‘Shadows’?
John B Read
The lighting creates an intimate space on stage.
What is the staging set for ‘Shadows’?
A minimal set within a black-box theatre space
The set includes simple furniture that reflects the family’s hardship.
What was the initial stimulus for Christopher Bruce’s choreography?
The music
Bruce had heard the music a long time ago and always wanted to create a work to it.
How does Christopher Bruce describe the music for his dance work?
Very eastern European, minimal, with weight and a sense of history and culture
Influenced by the horrors of the second world war and the history of Eastern Europe.
What is the central theme of the dance work created by Christopher Bruce?
A family waiting for the knock on the door, anticipating deportation to a concentration camp
The dance reflects the horrors of war and historical persecution.
How does Christopher Bruce approach the creation of movement material?
He never prepares movement beforehand and is influenced by the dancers
He aims to create a family unit dynamic in the choreography.
What elements does Christopher Bruce incorporate into his dance style?
- Modern dance
- Classical ballet
- Theatre
- Tap dance
- Character dance
- Folk dance
His work primarily comes from a modern dance base but forms a neo-classical language.
What decisions did Christopher Bruce make regarding the number and gender of dancers?
A family unit of mother, father, son, daughter; a small company of 4 dancers
He considered practical details for a chamber work.
What staging elements did Christopher Bruce envision for his dance?
- Table
- Chairs
- Bench
- Old-fashioned hat stand
- Luggage
These elements became part of the choreography.
What is the significance of the lighting in Bruce’s dance titled ‘Shadows’?
Symbolizes danger and fear, with lights obscured to represent a shadow passing
This metaphorical shadow reflects the themes of the work.
How does Christopher Bruce want the audience to feel when watching his dance?
Engaged and taken into his world
He aims to create a pictorial world that tells stories and allows for audience interpretation.
