Consider Bangarra Dance Theatre's Patyegarang, discuss Stephen Page's use of space aspects and how they have been used to enhance the movement to communicate meaning.
In Bangarra Dance Theatre's production of Patyegarang In 2014, choreographer Stephen Page intricately weaved together space aspects such as personal space, level, and shape to communicate profound meanings. It delves into the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and how European colonisation of Australia impacted the Aboriginal people. The piece examines constructive interactions specifically between the main two protagonists, particularly those between Patyegarang, a young Aboriginal woman, and William Dawes, the European Lieutenant. In Section 7 of "Proclamation'', space aspects …show more content…
The female European dancer uses all of her weight to follow the hand movement, and the female Aboriginal dancer guides her body with unpredictable and controlling arm movements. The extent of this movement varies, and it naturally embodies traditional Aboriginal culture. The European dancer embodies the idea that she is being inspired by the training methods of the Aboriginal dancer, who has more grounded and representational movement and is very heavy in her movements, evoking the spirit of classical contemporary dance. The way in which the two cultures try to instruct one another through manipulative and physical movement furthers the meaning of diffusionism through the use of this private space. To communicate the idea of assimilation and the current goal of the announcement, the dancers go beyond the personal boundaries of another …show more content…
The male and female dancers are turning away from each other steadily, in a curved shape, in order to symbolise the realisation that despite the two cultures trying to unite, there are significant differences between them that they cannot break down without feeling uncomfortable. This tension is further highlighted by the dancers' movements becoming more forceful and erratic, representing the struggle to find common ground. The choreography ultimately conveys the idea that, while there may be attempts at unity, true understanding and acceptance may always remain just out of reach. The curved shapes serve as a physical manifestation of the barriers that exist between the two cultures, emphasising the complexity of cultural exchange and the difficulty of overcoming deep-rooted
In Bangarra Dance Theatre's production of Patyegarang In 2014, choreographer Stephen Page intricately weaved together space aspects such as personal space, level, and shape to communicate profound meanings. It delves into the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and how European colonisation of Australia impacted the Aboriginal people. The piece examines constructive interactions specifically between the main two protagonists, particularly those between Patyegarang, a young Aboriginal woman, and William Dawes, the European Lieutenant. In Section 7 of "Proclamation'', space aspects …show more content…
The female European dancer uses all of her weight to follow the hand movement, and the female Aboriginal dancer guides her body with unpredictable and controlling arm movements. The extent of this movement varies, and it naturally embodies traditional Aboriginal culture. The European dancer embodies the idea that she is being inspired by the training methods of the Aboriginal dancer, who has more grounded and representational movement and is very heavy in her movements, evoking the spirit of classical contemporary dance. The way in which the two cultures try to instruct one another through manipulative and physical movement furthers the meaning of diffusionism through the use of this private space. To communicate the idea of assimilation and the current goal of the announcement, the dancers go beyond the personal boundaries of another …show more content…
The male and female dancers are turning away from each other steadily, in a curved shape, in order to symbolise the realisation that despite the two cultures trying to unite, there are significant differences between them that they cannot break down without feeling uncomfortable. This tension is further highlighted by the dancers' movements becoming more forceful and erratic, representing the struggle to find common ground. The choreography ultimately conveys the idea that, while there may be attempts at unity, true understanding and acceptance may always remain just out of reach. The curved shapes serve as a physical manifestation of the barriers that exist between the two cultures, emphasising the complexity of cultural exchange and the difficulty of overcoming deep-rooted