So, I’ve decided to post a blog purely about my role as a choreographer, as it is VERY separate from my acting role in the show now. In fact, I am involved in no choreographed sequences at all, but we will get to that later.
As our show has progressed, so has the choreography, and it is very exciting to be given the chance to create some funny scenes regarding movement. A scene we’ve been working on today involves shadow work behind a sheet using a big flashlight- something I have no experience with. However, the movement behind it is very similar that of a ‘fairy tale’, so working with the shadows is just a heightened version of something I may choreograph without them. As we are going with the comedic effect throughout our piece, the use of props within this part is very poignant, as it allows us to create funny images and even scenery. The fairy tale begins with a little girl, who’s mother and father spoil her, however as she grows up she no longer has them to rely on and has to make her way in the world. This story involves the entrance of a spinster, a mother and father figure, and a troll. Organising an extra rehearsal specifically for this choreography was extremely helpful going into the next rehearsal as it only involved 4-5 bodies to create the piece.
Shadow choreography (Jarrold, 2017). Shadows with props (Jarrold, 2017).
As well as this, another scene towards the end of the show has a drag performance in it, whereby Ben is performing a caberet style drag act. Our director Joe started this scene having Ben improvise and as hilarious as it was to watch being friends with him, visually it needed some choreography in order to have a successful scene. I was really exciting to get stuck into this, as although the undertone of this scene was extremely sad, it could be fun and light hearted too. Before organising a rehearsal with Ben, I watched a few drag act routines on youtube, as my dance background doesn’t delve into drag at all. I came across ‘RuPauls drag race’ which I was able to watch on Netflix and was the inspiration behind Bens choreography. The reality show involves ‘emphasis on the survival stories of its contestants reveals how performance can be empowering’ (Betancourt, 2017). Although the choreography needed to be entertaining, our director wanted it to have a message regarding Ben’s struggle in the modern day world.
Bens scene- Ending (Jarrold,2017). Bens scene (Jarrold, 2017).
Ben and I had so much fun in rehearsal choreographing this, and having already prepared a routine this was easy to portray to him. The choreography involved Ben as a drag act, with 4 others participating and being his ‘wardrobe’. The routine came naturally to Ben, as he already had a good sense of rhythm and technique, so we were able to add lots of detail. Although this piece was comical, I was very aware of the sad undertone this scene portrays. I decided, towards the end of the routine, to have a 4 beat pause whereby ben does nothing but stare at the audience showing ‘desperation’ just before other company members rush to dress him in yet more drag attire. Watching him do this was very powerful and I believe can only get stronger in the lead up to the final performance.
Work Cited:
Betancourt, M. (2017). ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and the Art of Self-Love. [online] The Atlantic. Available at: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/05/rupauls-drag-race-and-the-art-of-self-love/482265/ [Accessed 16 May 2017].
Bowie, D. (1983) Lets Dance.
Jarrold, R. (2017) Bens scene-ending.
Jarrold, R. (2017) Bens scene.
Jarrold, R. (2017) Shadow choreography.
Jarrold, R. (2017) Shadows with props.