Moving Pictures Quartet

A new DVD compilation of four short dance films produced by the Moving Pictures Dancefilm Art Society. ICARUS Dir. Curtis Wehrfritz, 6 min., 2001 Shot on two hand-cranked cameras, this film captures segments from “Wind,” part of a performance cycle about the four elements choreographed by Bill James. Inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus, who fell from grace after flying too close to the sun, this work contrast post-industrial waste with stunning images of artifice. Performed by Yvonne Ng, Shannon Cooney and Robert Glumbek, with music by Tom Third. GARDEN OF STONE Dir. Gregory Nixon, 5 min. 1999 Kathak dancer Joanna Das performs this tale of the journey to the mythical Garden of Stone, a sacred landscape that is at once barren and deeply contemplative. The film is an exploration of colour, form and movement within a constantly changing environment. “Garden of Stone” is a story of transformation and spiritual epiphany performed in one of the most beautiful and dynamic forms of classical Indian dance. Music by Eric Cadesky with Ed Hanley and Kurt Swinghammer. SILO Dir. Laura Taler, 6 min. ,1999 In the restrictive confines of a circular room, five beautiful women communicate through sound – cackles, hisses, whispers, giggles and hushes. Intercut with quick, intimate shots of eyes, lips and hands, the film focuses on the women of Urge (Linda Catlin Smith, Fides Krucker, Marie-Josée Chartier, Katherine Duncanson and Anita La Selva) as they use a broad range of movements, gestures and vocal techniques to suggest a slightly sinister lullaby. RED BRICK Dir. Gariné Torossian, 6 min., 1999 “Red Brick” takes place in a psychic netherworld in which things take place paradoxically. Dancers, singers and other performers appear – pixilated, freeze-framed and swish-panned – while an artist constructs visual pieces in real time. A montage of constantly shifting images that refer to the score creates a pastiche of memories and archetypes. Choreographed by Bill James. Music by Michael J. Baker, performed by Arraymusic. Featuring Marie-Josée Chartier, Marc Richard and Barbara Hannigan.