Rosas Review

Rosas Danst Rosas first premiered on stage in 1983. The film version of the piece came 14 years later (1997.) It is a dance which contains 4 dancers who are exploring the theme of human behaviour/rage, which is shown excellently through different dynamics. For instance, the movement at the start of the piece is very slow.  This is one of five sections of Rosas, and is performed on the floor. The accompaniment of only the sound of the dancer's breathing furthers the effectiveness of the movement. I enjoyed this section of Rosas because it holds a lot of tension, showing how highly-skilled the dancers are. Furthermore, it is a section which is successful in maintaining the audience's full attention. 

The second section of Rosas consists of the women repeating a motif on chairs. The ticking sound in the accompaniment paces the movement, contrasting to the opening section. A movement which stands out to me is the arm swishing out and rushing back into the dancer's body. This is because from all camera angles used, such as over-the-shoulder shot, establishing/long shots and close-ups, it creates the same impact, due to it's sharp dynamics. This is my favourite section of the dance because of the use of a prop. The chairs create interest. I am pleasantly surprised and inspired by how creative you can be choreographing with a prop used in everyday life. Lastly, the use of canon and unison is another reason why this is my favourite section of the dance. Canon provides the audience with something different to look at, whilst unison creates a strong and slick looking performance. 

Close-Up

Establishing Shot

Section 3 of Rosas is my least favourite. This is because the tone of the piece completely shifts. It shows females travelling around the institution, and this consequently means less change in dynamics. Throughout this section, I think that the choreography is all performed at the same neutral level, which takes away from the excitement felt by the audience in the sections prior to this. 

Overall, I think the dance is at it's best when there's only the 4 main dancers. The addition of more dancers in section 3 is slightly distracting. The theme of human behaviour is experimented with well, showing two different ends of scale - stillness and madness.

Research for Script

To try and reflect as real emotions as possible and the true life of an alcoholic, I looked at AA forums. The positive responses would work well for Lynn's dialogue as she is technically Ton's advisor. For example the highlighted part of the response below would fit her character well. This is because I am planning for her to be an individual, who has lost friends along the way and doesn't dwell upon it. 

"avaneesh912 wrote:
I made up my mind to just enjoy whatever life brought me.

Contentment is the mother of happiness.

... for their happiness is more dependent on their preferences than your offerings.

Are you happy in your own company? This is the skill of happiness.
(http://www.e-aa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=16855)

AA forums also have their negative posts, which I can take inspiration from for Ton's character. For example one man posted the following - 'How long did it take for the obsession and craving to start to ease, that's the part that I'm petrified of over coming' (http://www.e-aa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16837). This shows how much anxiety alcoholics endure. This has made me imagine Ton to hold a lot of tension in his body.

 'Stressful events, such as bereavement or losing a job can also trigger heavy drinking, which can then lead to alcohol dependence' (https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/mental-health/alcohol-dependence) 

The above has influenced me to include tragic events in my story. I have the idea that Ton will get married and soon after divorce, which will take him on a downwards spiral - in other words, make him alcohol dependent. 

Script Starter Questions

5 W'S

1) When?

When is your story going to be set? 1990/2000s.

What time period is your story going to be done in?

The story consists of current day and flashback scenes. Ton and Lynn discuss his life over a few meetings so the time period is likely to be between 2 weeks and a month.

 

Is it going to be Linear or Elastic? It is a linear narrative, in terms of the chronological order of flashbacks. However, the jump between different time periods also makes it an elastic narrative.

What is the structure of your story? I plan to have a definite climax in the middle of Ton's storytelling. The climax will also symoblise the turning point for his character - a tragic event which is the final straw, consequently leading him to seek help.

 

2) Where?

 

Where is the play going to be set?

My play is based in London. There will be various settings in my play. The opening scene is in a house, as some others are. The current day scenes will be in an ordinary hall- this is where the AA meetings take place.

How are you going to show it?

To show that my play is in London, I want to include sound effects like buses driving by and cars beeping. This suggests a chaotic atmosphere and reflects London realistically. As for the various settings, I plan to design different minimal set pieces, which can be easily dragged on and off stage.

3)What?

What key plots and issues happen in your story?

Ton being a victim of child abuse.

Ton going on and off track - trying to recover.

Ton losing his family, slowly becoming a repeat of his Dad.

 

What are the themes & Issues in your story?

Family issues

Addiction

4)Who?

Who is telling your story? Ton - narrating his past to friend, Lynn.

Who is in your story?

Ton - Protagonist.

Lynn - Friend from A.A.

George - Ton's Dad.

Emma - Ton's Wife.

Chrissy - Ton's  Mum.

Uncle & Auntie

 

5) Why?

Why are you writing this story? To warn the audience of the dangers of alcohol, and to show that recovery from alcoholism is achievable, if you're dedicated.

Why are you basing it on your theme? The theme is close to my heart. Having a family member who has been sober for 20+ years, it is important for me to showcase some of their incredible story.

Dance For Camera - Practice Q&A Sheet