Layered : A Film that Investigates Dance, Installation and Location

Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

MSU-Only Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

College/School

College of the Arts

Department/Program

Theatre and Dance

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Stefanie Batten Bland

Committee Member

Apollinaire Scherr

Committee Member

Kyle deCamp

Abstract

Layered is a film that investigates dance, installation and location. It is composed in four acts separated by blackouts and features the evolution of a sculptural cloak art piece. The series is a synthesis of visual and physical arts inspired by the complex hist ory of the Los Angeles River and the subconscious memories we carry of those who came before us. By juxtaposing natural with manmade, Layered initiates a dialogue between the environment of the past and present, while questioning our impact on its future. The film uses dance as a catalyst to rediscover the mundane world through movement and inspire environmental and communal empathy in viewers. This written thesis documents my research into improvisation based movement generation, site specific practices, f ilm as site, and interdisciplinary dance artists who have influenced this project. Additionally, it delineates the methodology used in cloak design and fabrication, onsite movement direction, and my musical collaboration with composer and aural installatio n artist, Davy Sumner.

Comments

The performance video is restricted to the Montclair State University community but the PDF file of the thesis, which is located at the bottom of the screen, is available to anyone interested in reading it.

File Format

MP4

Burr, Andrea_Redacted.pdf (3671 kB)
PDF file of written thesis

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