Pre-show: Dramaturgy

About, Proposals, Dramaturgy, Organization, Main

Introduction to the Working Process/Concept:
This initial dramaturgy is intended to be a starting point and framing structure in which artistic and technical talents can combine to create innovative and dynamic imaginings. It is based on the idea that technology can be used as a positive conduit or connection between humans and nature (the environment), and each other (other people and perhaps themselves).

Using the elements of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water is an attempt to govern the mood and flow of the piece joining separate section (and group of collaborators) to each other and giving each scene an implied presence of nature while allowing for an evolving conversation between human/tech or nature/tech or nature/human issues to surface on both aesthetic, personal, technical, and global levels. In addition I hope that we can create a current running through the piece. This is the implied fifth element is the human process of synthesis and interpretation (through using tools including both digital and performance technologies). [Additional shaping for continuity will occur through inter-group conversation through general meetings, and artistic direction from the artistic facilitator- Nadja Masura and Organizing Committee -Moira, Paul, Nadja, Aaron also Karen?-needs title?].

Each elemental scene will reflect the interests and skills of its members and may include more than one level of the element (political combustion, visual animated fire—etc.).
What is essential is that each artist as a member of a group of artists contributes in conversation with their peers to form a complete unit which can be tied to the rhythm and flow of the whole. Members will form scenic groups. The following suggestions for the organization of scenes, were developed after many meetings with individuals in the group, determined through interest shown in conversation or demonstrations preexisting material. Please volunteer input and make changes. You are encouraged to participate in as many as you like but we would like to have them all filled.

The Flow of Action/Mood:
We will begin with a light ethereal piece representing Air (thought/abstraction, breath, sound). This will be followed by Earth (a piece integrating the presence of humans in the form home/family, relationships, soil/roots, possibly growth). At the end of this scene we will transition into Fire (inferno, combustion, conflict, political unrest) which will crescendo in a summit of activity. The final scene Water, will begin like a torrent drenching the political flames but perhaps swept with currents of ecological concerns (esp global warming), resolving to a cleansing, and diminishing to a trickle or drop (back to the relative stillness of the beginning of the piece).

Elements (People, Technology/Ideas)

1. Air: The sound of breathing, Moira Jackson (possibly with/ Karen Bradley’s input) will come on stage (dressed in white) dancing [interpreting points which can also be interpreted as binary on/off] and playing the flute. We would like Brandon Morse’s pre-existing Vector-based animations of moving particles to be projected in the space (if possible triggered/influenced by the sound volume or pitch).
2. Earth: Moira will (most likely) leave the stage, heavy footsteps and an actress enters, she speaks (perhaps with another) concerning people/earth/home/relationships (Nadja Masura and Moira will likely contribute words on family, generations, passing on). In the background are (possibly images of Africa by Aaron Tobiason and) pre-existing animation of an evocative landscape with a house on fire in the distance by Brandon.
3. Fire: Karen Bradley choreographs words and dance based around the combustible political climate. Dancers trigger a sound poem which has been crafted by Mike Sparrow (with midi input by Brandon) (scene open to relevant video collage). (Possible fire animations Dan Conway-students?)
4. Water: (Possibly Set up triggers to allow Karen’s dancers to trigger waterfall gushing footage). Nadja’s water video clips mix with Dan Conway’s (or his students) animation of water. Data on global warming and ecology-spoken or projected. Transition to a calmer pace, end w/water trickle/drop.

(Either the Earth, or Water scenes would be an interesting place to include the Access Grid participants from a different location. Earth –because they would be in a geographically distanced place, and water- because others working on dancing on the shores of packet creek might have something interesting to offer joined in interaction with Karen’s dancers.)