‘Machine’

Light, sound, set and costume devised, designed and directed by Karen Stansfield (length 15 minutes, performed live at The Lighting Studio, Bretton Hall.

Machine is a none verbal, abstract dance performance which reacts to its surrounds and the soundscape. Using the science of light upon draped cloth which symbolised hills, moorland and cloth produced on looms. Two performers manipulate and travel through the space on a journey dominated by the length of one day.

 

The Balcony by Jean Genet. Performed at The Powerhouse, Wakefield.

Costume design by Karen Stansfield (Kaboodle Design).

A very complex script with many costume demands and produced on a small budget, for example special platform footwear ‘Corthunia’ for the Judge, Bishop and General.

The role of ‘Bishop’s Girl, Thief and General girl’ in our production is played by one actress. The demands of costume are to reveal each ‘new’ girl quickly off stage ready for the next act.

 

Dance collaboration

Costume design by Karen Stansfield, performed at The Dance studio, Bretton Hall.

Dance collaboration is a devised performance between the Dancer and Designer to realise a costume to enhance their choreography. I worked closely with each dancer in order to understand their individual narrative and requirements for the performance.

Indulgence needed pockets to house chocolate and be able to reach these during the performance and devour them.

Paranoia required a garment to initially restrict their movements, and then be destroyable.

Love was about maternal love, I relished the challenge to symbolise the ‘amniotic’ fluid, this fluid was the only colour allowed in the design palette.

Fear was initially derived from the dancer fear of insects so we used a circle shape to symbolise a simple floral which could spin and create shapes, the gaps in the garment allowed her arms, hands and fingers create imaginary creatures.