QUESTION 11: DANCE WORK (COMPULSORY) NOTE: Do NOT answer on the same choreographer and dance work that you have chosen for QUESTION 8, QUESTION 9 or QUESTION 10 - NSC Dance Studies - Question 11 - 2018 - Paper 1

In Martha Graham's Lamentation, the theme of grief and loss is powerfully communicated through various production elements and movements.

Production Elements:

1. Lighting: The use of dim, focused lighting creates a somber atmosphere that enhances the emotional weight of the choreography. The shadows cast not only emphasize the dancer's movements but also symbolize the darkness of sorrow.

2. Costumes: The costume is a key production element, consisting of a simple, stretchable fabric that envelopes the dancer. This choice symbolizes vulnerability and the constraints of grief, allowing the audience to focus on the emotional expression rather than ornate distractions.

3. Set Design: The minimalistic set reinforces the theme of isolation in mourning. The absence of additional props allows for the emotional journey of the dancer to take center stage without external distractions.

Movement Vocabulary:

1. Quality of Movement: The choreography incorporates fluid yet disjointed movements that evoke a sense of struggle and despair. For instance, the expansive arm movements symbolize reaching out while simultaneously expressing the weight of emotional burden.

2. Gestures: The dancer often uses repetitive gestures, such as wrapping and unwrapping the fabric around their body, signifying the cyclical nature of grief. Each action echoes the theme of constriction and release, immersing the audience in the emotional experience.

3. Postures: The use of hunched postures throughout the dance creates a visual representation of the physicality of grief, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the themes being portrayed.

Through these elements, Martha Graham effectively uses production variables and movement vocabulary to communicate the powerful emotions associated with loss in Lamentation.