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Gregory Maqoma's FOUR SEASONS (CHOICE) Four Seasons by Gregory Maqoma is an inspirational production with an excellent cast and artistry - English General - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 9
Gregory Maqoma's FOUR SEASONS (CHOICE) Four Seasons by Gregory Maqoma is an inspirational production with an excellent cast and artistry. - Give a brief background... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Gregory Maqoma's FOUR SEASONS (CHOICE) Four Seasons by Gregory Maqoma is an inspirational production with an excellent cast and artistry - English General - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give a brief background that led to Maqoma's development as a choreographer of note.
Answer
Gregory Maqoma, born in the late 1970s in Soweto, faced the challenges of growing up during a period of socio-political upheaval in South Africa. He started his journey in dance at the Moving into Dance Mophatong, where he trained under esteemed mentors. This experience provided him with foundational skills and an appreciation for storytelling through movement. Later, Maqoma gained formal education at the Performing Arts Research and Training School (PARTS) in Belgium.
His diverse collaborations with international artists and participation in various dance festivals helped him refine his artistic voice. This unique blend of cultural influences and training shaped him into a choreographer of note, known for addressing critical social issues through dance.
Step 2
Describe the message/intent Maqoma wanted to bring across to the audience through this dance work.
Answer
The essence of Four Seasons revolves around the cyclical nature of life, addressing themes of hope, loss, and renewal. Maqoma aims to remind the audience of the beauty of our natural environment and the interconnectedness of humanity. By depicting the changing seasons, he invokes reflections on life's transient quality, urging viewers to appreciate the present. Each season serves as a metaphor for various human experiences, echoing the intricacies of existence and evoking a sense of collective memory among the audience.
Step 3
Analyse how he used the movement vocabulary and production elements in each season to bring his message/intent across.
Answer
In the winter section, Maqoma utilized staccato movements to convey the harshness of the cold, complemented by stark grey lighting and dark costumes that foster a sense of bleakness. The dancers' movements reflected themes of loss and abandonment.
For spring, the choreography became more fluid, showcasing energy and rebirth. The use of bright colors and warm lighting symbolized new beginnings, with dancers interacting joyfully with each other, representing the flourishing of life.
Autumn's section incorporated slower, more reflective movements accompanied by a melancholic musical score. The use of fallen leaves as props visually depicted decay, resonating with themes of sorrow and remembrance.
Finally, summer utilized vibrant samba rhythms and lively choreography, symbolizing celebration and unity. The colorful costumes and dynamic energy fostered feelings of hope and community, completing the narrative arc of the piece.
Step 4
Explain his innovative use of music in this production.
Answer
Music plays a vital role in enhancing the emotional impact of Four Seasons. Each season features a distinct musical style that reflects the mood of the choreography. In winter, the music is haunting and minimalistic, echoing the staccato movements of the dancers. For spring, live musicians gradually reveal themselves, adding layers of sound that evoke a sense of growth.
In autumn, the sound of wind and soft instrumental elements resonate with themes of loss, while summer bursts with vibrant Brazilian samba, inviting audiences to engage energetically with the themes of renewal and unity. Through this innovative use of live and recorded music, Maqoma creates an immersive atmosphere that resonates deeply with the audience, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the production.
Step 5
Give your interpretation of the message that the ENDING of this dance work is communicating to the audience.
Answer
The ending of Four Seasons presents a poignant reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. As the dancers move toward a shared climax, they symbolize collaboration and understanding within diversity. The final moments capture a feeling of unity, suggesting that despite individual struggles, there is collective resilience and hope.
This conclusion encourages the audience to contemplate their place within the broader narrative of life, advocating for an acknowledgment of both personal and communal journeys. Through this powerful closing, Maqoma leaves viewers with a message of hope and an invitation to embrace the beauty of existence, reinforcing the idea that every ending is also a new beginning.