CLOUDS OF ASH & GLASS (2013)

The sun turns black | earth sinks in the sea,
The hot stars down | from heaven are whirled;
Fierce grows the steam | and the life-feeding flame,
Till fire leaps high | about heaven itself.
Now do I see | the earth anew
Rise all green | from the waves again.

Poetic verses selected from ‘The Wise Woman’s Prophecy’
translated from Völuspá

Choreography by Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal for Victorian College of the Arts Dance Graduation Season
Music by Lou Harrison Double Concerto for Violin and Cello with Javanese Gamelan

Researching sacred geometry of perfect forms in East and West began with the circle (earth), the square (fire and air), and the triangle (water). Considering the importance of the periphery as opposed to the centre yielded interest in the Mandala.

Mandalas are Hindu-Buddhist symbols representing an ordered and harmonious universe of rebirth, impermanence, bliss and compassion. The basic spiritual and ritual form is a square with four gates containing a circle with a centre point. Emphasizing the central and highest point in Mandala architecture is a consequence of processional worship and also expresses a belief that volatile mountains are the sacred abodes of supernatural idols.

"Clouds of Ash and Glass by Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal opened the program, featuring a beautiful soundtrack of string music with Javanese gamelan composed by Lou Harrison. Dusky grey scarves serve many purposes, flying about the bodies of swirling dancers like delicate smoke, or tied securely overhead and around torsos as ritual garb. Dresses with interesting geometric designs on fitted bodices complete the evocative costume design by Lexi De Silva.
Performed by large group of women and one male student, who takes on a god-like role, replete with swivelling eye movements and deeply bent, widespread knees, the piece incorporates many aspects, both culturally specific and quite abstract. Whether mourning over corpses or performing a duet connected by invisible puppet strings, creating symmetries in a long connected line or attempting a prostrate mandala formation, the ideas and material are densely packed." - Chloe Smethurst

http://www.danceaustralia.com.au/review/victorian-college-of-the-arts-project-3-graduation-dance-season-2013