By Chantelle Emery
Both students and local Savannah residents filled the Lucas Theatre auditorium for the opening night of “La Traversée: The Promising Voyage,” Feb. 10, each anticipating SCAD’s first multimedia dance performance.
Conceived, directed and choreographed by Vincent Brosseau, this performance was manifested over a period of time. At the premiere, an enthused crowd waited to see what creative genius would be brought to the table.
The performance commented on immigration and the industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th century. The narrative is based lightly on true stories, as we are taken on a journey further amplified by use of film footage.
The School of Film, Digital Media and Performing Arts collaborated in bringing forth a new form of dance theater to the stage. The audience was separated from the performance by a transparent screen, where images were projected relating to each segment. By diversifying the traditional performance goers experience at SCAD, the collaborative efforts of these departments were not in vain.
As with any new phenomenon, it will be either accepted with open arms or rejected completely. By stepping out on a limb and experimenting with incorporation of multimedia into traditional dance theater, these departments succeed in exploring innovative techniques and styles.
“I like the mixed media a lot, and really enjoy the music, but I may be biased since I like Vincent [Brosseau],” explained Caroline Aylward, a third-year film and television major from Orlando, Fla.
Although many seemed to enjoy the incorporation of multimedia, Claire Clayton, a professional writing third-year from Asheville, N.C., felt differently, “The new incorporation of multimedia is creative and I like that they’re trying something different, but it’s not doing it for me.”
The compilation of small scenes was attention grabbing as the variation in set, lighting and sound created a variety of moods to keep the audience intrigued. At some points there were many people filling the stage, making the choreography that much more interesting to watch.
For those who may not enjoy traditional dance forms, this performance nicely combined the art of theater and dance into a very diverse act. Presented with the task of such a complex performance, it was commendable for non-dancers to take on these roles.
They fully embraced roles of the era in which La Traversée was set, by using elaborate costumes, extensive sets, including props and projection screen. There was progression though the scenes by incorporating previously recorded videos of the dancers on the projection screen, and bringing the story to life by having the performers reenact these movements.
Ayodele Tushinde a fourth-year performing arts major from Berkeley, Calif. explained her thoughts about the show, “I love it. All of Vincent’s work is so precious—his pieces carry so much meaning and he’s been able to create a touching ensemble.”
