This critique was written by Annette Elphinstone, a senior dance major at Point Park University from Freedom, Pennsylvania. It was given as an assignment in the newly-created course, “Dance Aesthetics and Criticism”
We have all read and discussed the tragic and forever changing event we call World War II. When brought up in history class, we do not realize the anguish and complexity of the war through the ink that describes the happenings of the past. Even through film, we cannot begin to understand how the humanity of each individual was stripped away each moment during the war. However, when this event is explained to you in person through physical and oral representation and conversation, the observers feel an impact and connection to the events that occurred decades ago. It is through human to human connection that people can begin to empathize all of the experiences the survivors and victims have endured. By watching Bill T. Jone’s “Analogy/Dora: Tramontane,” I better understand the complexities of human beings and the influences of war.
Starting off, I noticed that the show itself was visually minimal. When initially thinking about historical themed performances, I tend to believe that all of the details – costumes, sets, décor, etc. – have to be time appropriate. Otherwise, the depiction of the happenings could be incorrect. However, due to the simplicity of the set, costumes, and even makeup, observers were able to create the scene for themselves and live in the moment being described as they heard it to be. Another interesting factor is that the characters of the overall story switched between performers. On one hand, it was confusing as to who was playing who in each section. On another, it allowed for observers to understand that the experiences Dora (a survivor of WW II and the central voice of the show’s concept ) could have, and most likely did, happen to other people. While the visual display of the show was at times confusing or too modern for the subject, the simplicity and fluidity of the performance invited creativity and human connection on the historical events orated by Dora.
Another aspect I want to focus on is the structure of the performance. While it focused on a historical plot, the sections did not follow sequentially to the time period. It is interesting that the artistic choice was made to seem like each new memory was discovered in conversation. In fact, the order of events was probably in the same order as spoken by Dora with her one-on-one with Jones. In following this choice, the audience became like Jones and saw how the questions that were asked stirred up specific memories and experiences. Also, for how dark the theme of the concept was, I highly enjoyed and appreciated the lighter moments. In dark times, humans tend to create lighter situations to remember to celebrate life as they can and to strive to find that life again after the darkness ends. With the shifting dynamics of mood from serious to playful to tragic to loving, the conversation orated was highly human and kept interest.
Overall, “Analogy/Dora: Tramontane” was an impactful representation of one person’s experience during a time of suppression and desolation. While there may have been many struggles and much of humanity lost, such stories provide listeners the courage to strive for a better and more loving future. With the events happening today, this work greatly encourages the audience to find that positivity and remember to not allow the mistakes of the past to circle about again. It is works like this that educate the general public and aim to better humanity. Hopefully one day text books are replaced by art like “Analogy/Dora: Tramontane” so our community can begin to better understand that history is more than just the past – it is a part of the now.
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