For our project ‘Representing a Space through movement’ we were asked to use a 2m2 space, roughly resembling that of a body, Nile and I went back and fourth on which space we wish to represent and came up with our main focus: the representation of a mental as well as a physical space.
When we choose the space, we cared for one that very much resembled 2x2x2 meters to focus on the length and width of the human body. When we came up with the idea of an elevator to represent movement and human interference, we thought of the concept of different levels in relation to to means of transportation: a direction which goes up.
The mental space of the elevator is meant to represent a closed head-space, an intimate experience, sheltered from others. When we decided on the five stages of grieving, we wanted to create a means of the audience to connect with the dancer, with the space, with the experience. Grieving is a process which connects to loneliness, yet suffering is universal. We want people that are undergoing the mourning process to feel less alone, to feel understood. We cared to take parts of the burden off them, to allow pain and acknowledge the overwhelmingness of suffering.
The five stages; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance each represented by a short performance in the elevator by a woman dressed all in black. The video is edited in black and white yet gains saturation as one reaches acceptance and serenity. The leaves might remind the viewer of laurels, a sign often used to represent victory in ancient Greece. It is meant to symbolize victory over suffering, which mirrors the highest level of strength.
The element of transportation; the train sounds and the elevator as an element itself symbolize the moving forward and upwards. It shows that there are stages to life and to your mindset and that time heals what life burdens our souls with. This is an important process within life and introduces one to more strength and perseverance to overcome.
The soundtrack ‘Once Upon a Time’ reflects the fragility of human minds and health and reminds the viewer of the delicacy of human nature. Nowadays, pain is regarded as a weakness yet I perceive it as our greatest strength. While watching these intense and partially robust movements, the piano song creates a contrast and completion of our understanding of mourning.
