MEDIATHEK

WHITE MAN SLEEPS 

‘The most interesting aspect of the different versions is perhaps the dialogue between music and dance. In the first version, set to the western tuning (equal temperament) of the string instruments, which produces a more homogenous sound, ‘motion’ rather than ‘position’ is emphasised, contributing to the perception of fluidity in the dance. Davies reflects the legato of the strings with movement that has a sinuous, relaxed and gentle dynamic. The revival is edgier and more percussive. The change to instruments that are plucked, struck and shaken, and which preserves the separate identity of each instrument, produces a different timbre, a rougher, raw dynamic, which increases the immediacy of the rhythmic complications of both the music and movement’ (Sarah Whatley, 2005).

WYOMING

‘On the film of Wyoming, as Julie Covington reads the writing of Gretel Ehrlich, there are images of huge landscape, subtle textures of ground surface, weather conditions, and the physical sensations produced by these external features. Although the inclusion of text suggests a more literal meaning, the dance concerns itself more with the play among areas of expansive space, and among intimate spaces in meetings between dancers. Davies rehearsed the piece with a variety of instructions: “think of how it would feel to be working on an uneven floor surface” or “imagine that you are dancing in an irregular space”. Thus, movement that is plain structurally could be infused with a particular liveliness and made strange’ (Jordan & Whatley, 1999).

Siobhan Davies Company Dancers: Scott Clark, Paul Douglas, Michael Fulwell, Lauren Potter, Catherine Quinn, Lizie Saunderson

DESIGNED BY: David Buckland

TEXT: From a short story entitled "Spring" by Gretel Ehrlich

VOICE: Julie Covington

COSTUMES: Penny Thompson

The Degas String Quartet (White Man Sleeps):
Steven Smith - Violin
Clive Hughes - Violin
Nic Pendlebury - Viola
Tanya Smith - Cello

Scenic Painting - Wyoming: Russell Mills, David Buckland

Scenic Painting - White Man Sleeps: John Campbell

(RS/msb)

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