Watching the Clytemnestra film last night was an incredible experience that helped me better understand both the characters and the story as a whole. The differences between the characters and their relationships to each other was obvious through the commitment of each dancer’s role. I have been learning the role of Cassandra in repertory. Seeing the relationship of Clytemnestra and Cassandra on video brings a whole new dimension to the way I have been performing Cassandra’s movement. I have new insight into the anger and inner pain that is the motivation for her movement.
In reflecting on the discussion we had in composition today, I know that Clytemnestra will always be relevant and powerful to people of the present and future. The themes and certain characteristics of each character can certainly relate to many different types of communities and circumstances. The way this story has been told through movement is so powerful in both the way the performance is executed and how the choreography has been crafted. As was already stated in a previous post, it truly is a masterpiece that will continue to be performed far into the future.
One Comment
I absolutely loved performing Cassandra’s piece when she was desparately trying to convey a critical message to Clytemnestra about her grueling visions of impending doom. I’ve never learned a piece filled with such intensity, feeling, and emotion. It was so fulfilling to just go all out and indulge in the theatrics of the part while releasing some of my own inner choas. What would it be like if no one believed you?