“Memory contests the boundaries between truth and invention” (Govan, Nicholson and Normington, 2007, 82)
Narratives of Community in Making a Performance by Govan et al directly acknowledge the use of memory within enacted performances. They describe memory as a device which “illustrates how people understand and feel about their present situations.” (Govan, Nicholson and Normington, 2007, 82) Our focus is to re-tell stories in an alternative light in order to initiate “interpretations of the past [which] enable people to shape, affirm or rewrite their identities in relation with others” (Steedman, 1986, 5).
This week, Refract have focused on the painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by George Seurat (see below) by developing a narrative through movement and props. This was created based on the people painted in the foreground which initiated the formation and representation of relationships in our working process.
“Narrative makes experience knowable, enabling individuals to recognise and relocate themselves in the context of their immediate audience and the wider community” (Govan, Nicholson and Normington, 2007, 82)
Works Cited
Goven, Emma, Helen Nicholson and Katie Normington (2007) Making A Performance- Devising Histories and Contemporary Practices. (1st ed) London: Routledge.
Steedman, C (1986) Landscape for a Good Woman. London: Viargo Press