April 13, 2021
Image caption: “Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters” -Margaret Peters
By: Ong Sze Ying
In this modern age of digitisation and safe distancing, the arts have been moving online to continue capturing the hearts of audiences. Yet, the liveness of performance and the physical intimacy that audiences have with performers is compromised. To enjoy the benefits of both live and digital mediums, NUS Dance Ensemble adopts both digital and live performance in their performance Past. Presence. Future. This hour-long piece is their first exciting venture into a hybrid performance, showcasing three short dance films before its final visual climax at University Cultural Centre Hall, and feature original compositions by Tan E-Reng from Electronic Music Lab.
The novel use of the film medium brings in a special touch to the performance, bringing in specific time and context to the piece. The piece takes us on a journey to different places where the interaction of the dancers with the new setting created further meaning for us on top of the live physical performances. The dance films not only showcase the dancers’ beautiful movements, but the movements are also enhanced by the splendid use of editing, lighting design, cinematography, sound design, and set design that all work in tandem to create a profound artwork, inciting emotions in the audience.
