DREAMCATCHER - Performance Modes and Themes

 

The Rhizomatic Collective Unconscious Dreamcatcher

PERFORMANCE MODES and THEMES

SACRED THEMES

The Dreamcatcher is a handcrafted web structure that originates from the Indigenous North American Ojibwe tradition and was shared over time with other Native Nations, eventually being recognized globally as a spiritual object of protection in the dream world.  

During performance we apply the act of weaving into a dance and draw upon the Dreamcatcher to symbolize two echoing systems in humanity and in nature.

System One - Humanity: 

The neural networks of the human mind that carry ancient DNA coding – unifying all humanity through our Collective Unconscious – our common identity through archetypes and dreams.

System Two - Nature: 

The mycorrhizal fungal networks of subterranean fungi that carry communication between trees in old growth forests. 

Just as mycorrizal networks are essential to the forest structure, human social systems are deeply embedded into our DNA. Our innate understanding of humanness and thus our very survival depends upon them.

The theme of this work is the crucial networks and systems of unification and connection in the natural environment and in human society. They have evolved organically over eons and must be respected and nurtured for the wellbeing of the planet and ourselves.

We intertwine these themes in the sacred form of the Dreamcatcher to create our dance.

PERFORMANCE RUBRIC AND METHODS  

The performative aspect of the work adopts the role of the Greek Chorus as a unified ensemble whose purpose it is to support and convey the narrative message. 

Motion Sculpture: 

The principle performance form is that of Motion Sculpture – a dance/movement method that is sustainable for extended periods of time. Combining concepts of the body as a living sculpture with philosophies of movement as meditation, 

The movement is gradual and incremental, holding long periods of stillness. One’s relationship with time and space becomes both expanded and hyper-focused at the same time. There is a sense of transcending the Self as though inhabiting pure form and energy. 

Archetypal Gesture:

Choreographic themes are based on the theatrical Archetypal Gesture work of Michael Chekhov. The understanding of these gestures is common to all humanity, crossing language and cultural divides.

These gestures were developed as part of a theatrical training method by Michael Chekhov in the 1900s. They assume the axiom of the body being the center for emotion and communication.

Vocal Chant:

Layers of overlapping long, sustained vocal sounds ebb and flow throughout the performance. Sometimes in harmony and sometimes dissonant. Building in volume or decaying to a whisper. 

The use of chant is an ancient and primal human tool for community and sacred ritual. The voice is a part of the body and thus an invitation to unify body, mind and soul.