Artificial Things: Meaning

The concept of “Artificial Things” explores the idea of physicality vs identity and the conflict between the constructed world and the natural states of humanity.
The dance has a greater meaning which could be interpreted as an exploration of human conflict, societal norms and expectations, exclusion, and unity.
The circles and painted area on stage could represent boundaries, the artificial constructs of society, and the personal barriers and limits within individuals.
The use of wheelchairs integrated in the dance challenges societal conventions and urges the audience to think about ability, disablement, and equality.
Inclusion and diversity are significant themes, as seen in the mix of abilities amongst dancers and coexistence in the choreography.

Artificial Things: Mood

The mood of Artificial Things varies greatly through the performance. There are moments of stillness and calm, disrupted by sudden dynamics, which create a mix of tension, tranquility, and unease.
The contrasts between serenity and chaos of human conflict contribute to the overall mood and evokes an array of emotions from viewers.
The lighting facilitates the mood shifts - from serene glowing lights to drastic blackouts, it creates a dynamic visual experience supporting the emotional narrative of the piece.
The costumes and props bring another level to the mood - the casual everyday dress underscores the relatability of the piece and the wheelchairs serve as a tangible reminder of the theme of societal norms and physical boundaries.

Counterpoint is frequently used throughout the piece to create dynamic opposition between dancers, underlining the theme of conflict.
Cannon is another core device used - one dancer’s movement cascading to another explores the ideas of echo, connectivity, and reliance.
Motif development is key to the narrative progression - the repetitive presentation of motifs with slight variations captures attention and builds on the conceptual themes.
Mirroring is used to create a sense of unity, cohesion and to portray the depth of human relationships.

The order of movement, pauses and changes in direction are all parts of the dance’s structure. They fundamentally contribute to the progression of narrative and emotional intensity.
Adagios, elongated gestures, and fast-paced motions all contribute to the ebb and flow of movement rhythm, crucial in developing tension and release in the dance.
The proscenium arch stage is used to direct attention and create depth in the dance, with dancers positioned at various levels and points on stage.
Solos, duets, and group performances take place, each adding to the varied visual journey of the dance and allowing different perspectives or facets of the theme to be presented.