Constructing a framework for interdisciplinary performances featuring classically trained musicians and dancers or actors

Joel Gester Suarez

The research aims to construct a framework for interdisciplinary performances. This framework is organised in the different components that shape creative processes. The research follows a process that begins with my experience in the dance-music collaboration “The Devil on the Dance Floor”, which included my ensemble Quinteto del Diablo, dancer Rosanna Ter Steege, and stage director Laura Suárez. The insights gained from this project, as well as the interview with director and actress Laura Suárez, led to the theorisation of the framework. The mentioned components are organised in a map. Each one of them serves as a possible starting point for a creative process. The propositions drawn from the framework support the notion of non-hierarchical creative processes. However, it also concludes that all the mentioned components have to be observed and worked with according to their qualities. After the layout of the framework, the interview with dancer and choreographer Mar López provides a critical comparison to support the theory through the experience of someone outside my environment. The last section analyses my master project, a piano-dance duo with Rosanna ter Steege, as a practical application of this theoretical framework. The research aims to set a framework that can help me and others, especially classically trained musicians, when working on an interdisciplinary performance. The format of the presentation is a research exposition.

SPACE / VENUE

physical or virtual space where the performance happens

DISPOSITION

where the elements (physical space, performers, and public) are placed in the venue. This disposition can change several times during the performance.

GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF THE MAP OF COMPONENTS AS A FRAMEWORK FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY PERFORMANCES

INTERACTION

-Within discipline

-Between disciplines

-Between performers and public

-With the space

-Roles: Lead / Accompany / Contrast

EXPRESSIVE COMPONENTS

-Intention

-Action

-Expression

They affect interaction, bring the abstract components to the surface and use all the elements present in the venue.

Actions are any movement or sound that emanate from the performers (and also from the public)

(Go to Text Version)

DRAMATURGICAL UNITS

Smaller entities triggered by an action, intention, text, music, or other components.

They can result in a specific scene or a ground for improvising.

STRUCTURING ELEMENTS

STRUCTURE / NARRATIVE

-Story-based (Theatre-oriented)

-Event-based (Music/Dance-oriented)

CONCEPT
An idea, term, situation, story, movement, musical piece that influences every aspect of the performance. It can be flexible or inflexible during the creative process, but remains stable during the performance.

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