Critical review on Wayne McGregor’s piece - GENUS
Following on from previous critical reviews, in this blog I’m going to be exploring and reviewing the piece ‘Genus’ by Wayne McGregor.In comparison to the other two dance pieces this ones style is abstract and isn’t the typical neo classical style. This is due to his creative movements and elements involved within this piece. Certain movements involved within this piece are also in the other two, however they are adapted and changed to link within the idea of this piece. In the section I’m reviewing there is only one dancer, a male who is completing a 2 minute solo, where as the other two there was more than one dancer involved in the section i analysed. One noticeable similarity between all three pieces is McGregor’s use of the LED background.This is one technique he uses to add effect and a different outlook to his piece. I really like the way he uses this in each of his pieces I have explored.
From watching this piece the end and beginning are set out the same meaning the entrance and exit of the dancer are the same. At the start of the solo the movements are dynamically slow but link with the musics tempo, this idea is the layout of this section as each movement is created to fit the music. Each movement of which the dancer executes is portrayed very technically and precise which shows how clean the choreography is. The movements involved are very sharp and set which give the impression the piece is portraying a link within this.The movements layout of this piece contrast to the ones in the other two because the movements in this piece are dynamically matched to the tempo of the music where as the other two pieces movement coincide with the music and are expressed as more flowing. The music used is instrumental with many different sound effects which add to an unknown sense and link to the abstract idea.
Additionally, I personally really like this section of this piece as it’s very intriguing as you feel like the movements the dancer is portraying are fitted perfectly to the music. Also, I love the fact all three pieces are similar yet very different to each other.
Research about the piece Genus
The point of view which is executed by choreograph is relating to the inquiries of Charles Darwin, creation and evolution. This is used as a platform to express ideas and remind us of our own evolutionary process and thinking along with our connection and reaction to the natural.
Mcgregor also uses his aim of letting the audience interpret his pieces. I feel for this piece the way the whole piece is conveyed to the audience is very abstract. By creating this piece he has achieved a choreography which involves a well known idea of the evolutionary process created by Darwin.
Darwin’s theory of evolution- It’s a process by which organisms change overtime as a result of changes in physical or behavioural traits. The changes are what allow an organism to adapt in a positive way to it’s environment for it to survive and have more offspring.
^the research above helps you understand the main theme towards the choreography piece and gives your understanding a wider perspective.
References
Clip of genus- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=27fWeDjPojY
Point of view - https://nycdancestuff.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/wayne-mcgregors-genus-extracts-with-film-installation/
Clip of live rehearsal- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LWNQK8y50SI
Darwin’s theory - https://www.livescience.com/474-controversy-evolution-works.html
Bibliography-
Clip of genus -M.youtube.com. (2019). YouTube. [online] Available at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=27fWeDjPojY [Accessed 6 Dec. 2019].
Point of view - NYC Dance Stuff. (2019). Wayne McGregor’s “Genus” (Extracts with Film Installation)….. [online] Available at: https://nycdancestuff.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/wayne-mcgregors-genus-extracts-with-film-installation/ [Accessed 6 Dec. 2019].
Clip of live rehearsal-M.youtube.com. (2019). YouTube. [online] Available at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LWNQK8y50SI [Accessed 6 Dec. 2019].
Darwins theory -Than, K. (2019). What is Darwin's Theory of Evolution?. [online] livescience.com. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/474-controversy-evolution-works.html [Accessed 6 Dec. 2019].
This is a very detailed blog post, well done. I like how you show the contrast between each work you have reviewed. Which work do you prefer out of the three? Why?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I prefer the piece Infra as I have more understanding towards this piece as I have studied it at GCSE and the piece itself is intriguing to me.
DeleteWell done Abi, I really like how you have done further research behind the piece in order to improve your explanation, as well as giving your own interpretation. How did this piece make you feel and what kind of an atmosphere did it create?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
DeleteThe piece made me feel very mysterious and interested as I didn’t know what to expect. The atmosphere of the piece was really abstract and gave a unique gloomy atmosphere.
This is a really good blog post! You have made some very good comparison points between all 3 pieces. I also like the way you have made links to Darwin’s theory of evolution. Overall did you like watching this choreography piece?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
DeleteI did really enjoy watching this piece as it was interesting to compare to the others.
Well done Abi, this a very clear and detailed blog! After reviewing and critiquing three of Wayne McGregor’a pieces which one was your favourite? And why is this?
ReplyDeleteThank you Megan. My favourite of the three pieces was Infra as I enjoyed exploring it in a different aspect to what I have done previously.
Deletethis is a very detailed and well thought out blog in which I really enjoyed reading. You discuss clearly the similarities and differences between each piece and your thoughts and feelings upon them.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a favourite work out of the three pieces you have reviewed? If so why?
this was a great Blog well done.
Thank you Rosabella.
DeleteMy favourite piece we have reviewed is the piece Infra. This is because I’m really drawn to the movements and how it has been produced. As well as the fact I have studied it previously so find it interesting to look at it in a different outlook.
Good work! Your critical analysis is well thought out and clearly highlights the differences between a selection of Wayne McGregor's choreographic work. For further development, please further discuss 'Genus'. Before furthering your research behind the piece, what do you think the piece trying to communicate or say to its audience? What was the purpose behind the movement and music and how did this have an effect on the piece? In your opinion, do you think the piece was successful - were there any parts you liked/disliked? Reflecting back at all three pieces, which piece did you like best and why? Can you notice any similarities between each of the three pieces?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your feedback.
DeleteBefore my further research I felt like the piece was very abstract and was portraying life growing up.
The movement and music linked with each other to create the purpose of the piece which is evolution.
I believe the piece was successful as before my research idea about the piece is very similar to what the piece was portraying. I liked the use of the abstract movements as I felt it gave a more interesting idea to the whole outlook of the piece.
Reflecting on all three pieces the piece I liked the most was the piece Infra this was because the whole piece itself was capturing to me. I really like reviewing this piece in a different way as it allowed me to gain more understanding of the whole piece and different parts of it.
Between the whole three pieces I noticed a few similarities such as the way he has choreographed each piece and the dance style of each piece is similar and contain some of the same movements as well as different movements.