Jumpcut 2012

Jumpcut Dance Film Festival

This event is new this year and so still to come to the attention of many folk. But a must see event next year for film makers.On the second day this film , Korper, by Sasha Waltz was shown. It is long...59 minutes ..and examines the ways we measure the body.
I was gripped by the whole thing!! The lighting is fantastic..I love the way it changes. Sometimes the bodies are lit from the side which is dramatic ( as in the section where a god like figure watches over a writhing man) and at other sections lighting is more even so we can see the whole body.The performance takes place in what appears to be a huge drum of concrete, and a large screen hangs in the middle, creating two distinct areas for filming. It is black on one side and wood colour on the other. At one point it falls across the stage and becomes what looks like parquet floor. At another point it is raised slightly at one side..creating a slope and and area wghere a dancer may dissappear! Much of the effect seen by the camera angles would be impossible for an audienceThe opening sequence clearly takes place behind a clear screen of some kind but we never see quite how this is done. Bodies apear as if in a test tube of some kind.
A series of solos, duets and group pieces are each costumed slightly differently which helps to distinguish them. predominantly neutral tones are used...black, cream, against flesh tones of the dancers with occasional addition of colour. sometimes black suits contrast against light floor and at other parts flesh is contrasted against black background. We are able to change 'scene' quickly by seeing the view from another camera.
I fely I would have loved to be present at the filming of this and found the whole piece very inspiring!!
Well done Hannah McLure Centre and Agne for choice of films

Later discussion with Agne revealed the piece had in fact been performance before the film. And that the huge set was rebuilt in each venue...It must have been amazing to see live!!