Maryjane Dunphe’s Syllabus/Continuing Collaboration with/Kendra Freas

We are drawing around connections between the words, Embodiment and Transposition. Transposition as defined by the OED is: ‘The action of transposing, or condition of being transposed; the result of this; removal from one position to another; transference; Translation into another language.’

Embody as defined by the OED is: To put into a body; to invest or clothe (a spirit) with a body; to impart a material, corporeal, or sensual character to; to give a concrete form to (what is abstract or ideal); to express (principles, thoughts, intentions) in an institution, work of art, action, definite form of words, etc; Of a complex unity: To include, comprise (such or such elements); to form into one body.

With these definitions in mind we have in mind to continue our practice in choreography as translation, writing, performing and recording self-prompted somatic exercises. We would also like to interview Gabriele Brandstetter. and Jen Calleja.

The final product of our project is still taking shape. We have talked about video work. I have also been thinking a lot about making a booklet of, dance transpositions, experimental prose, some essaying or critical exegesis, interviews done with Calleja and Brandstetter and creating some kind of ‘complex unity’ and includes and comprises our different areas of interest through making a experimental writing form that is unique and intrinsic to the coalescence of the different kinds work being presented.  

Readings from our program that will be included in the syllabus are sections out of: Yildiz’s Beyond the Mother Tongue: The Postmonolingual Condition and Benjamin’s Reflections, and Illuminations. As well as possibly Rosemarie Waldrop’s Alarms and Excursions, Gertrude Stein’s Composition as Form and maybe more Brandstetter.

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A last thought I have been having in relation to this project has to do with the transpositions of bodies into new, foriegn spaces and the feeling of experiential hysteria, or that the organs in which our experiences occupy are floating around our insides unbeknownst by us as we reflectively float through new old space, ourselves becoming organs of the hysterical body of the city. Dance for me has always been just as much about the act or locating as it is about movement and the lack of a fixed presence