DV8- The Cost of Living

Research

DV8 Physical Theatre dance company was founded in 1986, and the founder was called Lloyd Newson.

The work of DV8 Physical Theatre focuses on taking risks with both physical movement and philosophical art. Another focal point of DV8 is continuing exploration of  breaking down barriers between dance and theatre and importantly communicating theories and emotion in a coherent and inelaborate manner.

DV8 is driven by artistic inspiration and a strong aspect of creative need.  The company has successfully raised money for funding to cover extensive research and development, so that the company can maintain artistic plausibility and quality in their works and projects. The focus of the creative approach is to redeem dance with meaning, especially where this has been lost through more methodical ways and techniques of teaching.

DV8's work combines very original aesthetics and forms which diffuses modern and classical dance, and attempts to study beyond the values they feel reflect to enable discussion of wider and more complex issues within society.  This reflects its ongoing interest in how two primarily visual media, can enhance one another and reach an extensive audience.

Concept

The concept of The Cost of Living, is based on how a person may or may not be accepted as 'normal' within society. It focuses on dealing with stereotypes and issues revolving  evidently highlights several factors which currently affect how others may perceive ones appearance or character through social status. Through musical theatre and dance, DV8 effectively show this concept affects the feelings/emotions of a person, in all types of relationships. The audience are able to see this through the movement performed by the company.

Themes

Some of the themes incoporated within the piece were;

1. Relationships

2. Disablities

3. Social Status (within society and relationships between the characters)

4. Inferiority

5. Bullying

6. Superiority

7. Drugs

8. Alcohol

Main Analysis

Throughout the piece, are several themes, and the movement during this was heavily influenced by the theme. For example, a section of the dance (which was was in a club setting) highlighted the effects of alcohol and drug abuse in social settings such as clubs and parties. The movement within this scene was not so much dancing, however more movement that reflected ones drunk and erratic behaviour when under the influence. I had noticed in particular the constant repitition of jerking head movements, which had appeared to be that the character was dancing to music. The movement of the arms and head were very specific to how he may have been feeling. The movement was also very stereotypical in the sense that how his behaviour was portrayed, would be expected occur in a party environment. This was also very clear when he had approached a female, and he appeared to be quite bold in his approach. The audience were able to see this wheen he had inappropriately touched the woman on her face, chest and torso area.

Character

The character that I enjoyed performing the most was (guy with the crazy dancing). The way in which he portrays emotion through his movement was very effective. The message to the audience was very distinctive and expressive, and he played each of his roles in a very realisitc manner.