|
|
             |
|
Sympt-o-matic (2003)13 minutes DANCER: ORIGINAL SCORE: A medical history come to hysterical life. Rodnon portrays a patient put through the ringer, while Sperling, the doctor, casts hand shadows controlling her motions. Enveloped in Michelle Ferranti's anti-septic costumes, Roderick Murray's eery lighting and Chiappetta's creepy electronic soundscape, the figures expose what can go wrong with the body. "Sympt-o-matic presents a stark change in tone and mood and deals with the body's vulnerability in the face of the Western medical establishment. It's austere, cold, and infused with the sterility of the hospital ward. Rodnon, in white hospital gown, lies on the stage. A bright, blinding spotlight pours down, and from behind a draped curtain, the shadow of a doctor (Sperling) looms over the scenario. A booming, authoritative male doctor's voice asks calm, pointed questions and adds an unnerving element to the work – no bedside manner at work here. Rodnon moves frantically, as if trying to escape her ailing body. A series of rigid, repetitive movements bespeaks the humbling and, at times, humiliating tests and trials that are the patient's lot. All the while, Sperling stands poised with her clipboard. Sperling has created an interesting blend of movement to convey the ordeal of the patient. Rodnon's desperation shows in each moving flail and shake." –Vanessa Manko, Dance Insider |
|