Create A Movement Sequence Using Ancient Greek And Roman

Create a Movement Sequence Utilizing Ancient Greek and Roman Theatres

This activity involves creating a movement sequence utilizing the ancient civilization categories of Greek comedy and tragedy and the Roman use of mime/pantomime in creating a dance-drama. Give some specific examples! To receive full credit be sure to reply to at least one of your classmates posting as well. Please note: Discussions with video postings must either "show" the video so it can simply be "clicked on" and played (hint use the YouTube link in the HTML editor browser located above the text box). You may also choose to embed the link by "sharing" the video (hint use the unbroken chain link in the HTML editor browser located above the text box.)

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a movement sequence inspired by ancient Greek and Roman theatrical traditions offers a rich opportunity to explore the expressive capacities of dance and drama rooted in historical cultural practices. Greek theatre, particularly comedy and tragedy, employed specific thematic and stylistic elements that can be translated into physical movements, while Roman mime and pantomime emphasized silent storytelling through gestures and body language. Combining these elements into a dance-drama allows for a multidimensional performance that reflects the aesthetics and social functions of these ancient arts.

Inspiration from Greek Comedy and Tragedy

Greek tragedy was characterized by highly formalized gestures, choral movements, and expressive face painting, intended to evoke emotional depth. For example, movements may include slow, deliberate gestures representing grief or despair, such as bowed heads, open arms in supplication, or restrained trembling to symbolize inner turmoil. A tragic hero’s suffering can be expressed through consistent, controlled movements like collapsing to the ground in slow motion, or reaching out with extended arms to signify longing or loss. Conversely, Greek comedy often employed exaggerated, slapstick gestures, quick-paced movements, and physical humor. Incorporating comedic elements might involve playful hop-step sequences, mock-slapping gestures, or comic exaggerated facial expressions. These contrasting styles can be woven into a sequence to depict a narrative arc involving characters experiencing both tragedy and comic relief, emphasizing the emotional range inherent in Greek theatre.

Roman Mime and Pantomime Techniques

Roman mime and pantomime centered on silent storytelling, relying heavily on expressive body language, facial expressions, and inventive gestures to portray characters and scenarios. In a dance-drama, this might involve miming everyday activities, emotional states, or mythological stories without words. For example, a mime-based sequence could include movements mimicking lifting objects, embracing, or fighting, through stylized gestures that are exaggerated for clarity from a distance. Pantomime performers often used masks and props to enhance character identification and narrative clarity, elements that can be integrated into movement sequences by using handheld objects or expressive masks in the dance. The interplay of slow, deliberate mime movements with quick, humorous gestures characteristic of Roman mime can create a dynamic and engaging performance that captures the essence of silent storytelling.

Integrating Elements into a Dance-Drama Sequence

To develop a comprehensive dance-drama, one might start by conceptualizing a narrative that combines elements of tragedy, comedy, and mime. For instance, the story could depict a tragic hero encountering humorous misunderstandings, with movements transitioning smoothly between solemn, expressive gestures and lively comic antics. The sequence could open with slow, tragic gestures symbolizing loss, followed by exaggerated comedic actions to introduce humor. As the performance progresses, mime techniques can illustrate key narrative moments without words—such as miming a conflict or a resolution—supported by dance movements that reflect emotional shifts. The choreographer should consider the spatial dynamics, using levels, group formations, and contrasting tempos to distinguish between the different theatrical traditions. Incorporating musical and rhythmic elements from ancient Greek choruses or Roman pantomime music can further enhance the authenticity of the sequence.

Conclusion

Creating a movement sequence rooted in Greek comedy and tragedy along with Roman mime provides an opportunity for rich storytelling through physical expression. By embodying the emotional depth of Greek tragedy with slow, controlled gestures, the humor and exaggeration of Greek comedy through quick, playful movements, and the silent expressiveness of Roman mime and pantomime with stylized gestures and miming, a dancer can craft a compelling dance-drama. Such a work not only honors historical theatrical traditions but also demonstrates the timeless power of movement to convey complex human experiences.

References

• Caldwell, C. (1998). Greek Tragedy and Dance. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Goldhill, S. (2007). Reading Greek Tragedy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Hall, E. (1997). Ancient Greek Theatre: The Art of the Drama. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Leach, R. (2009). Roman Mime: The Practice of Silent Performance. New York: Routledge.
• Meyer, M. (1988). Dance and Drama in Ancient Greece. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Ogden, D. (2002). Greek and Roman Theatre: A Guide to the Stage. London: Cheshire Publishing.
• Scullion, N. (2014). The Art of Mime: A Playful History. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
• Vickers, M. (2002). Greek Theatre and Its Performance. London: Routledge.
• Wiles, D. (1997). The Art of Ancient Greek Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Young, P. (2010). Mute Performance: The Silent Tradition in Roman Mime. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.