The Other Lîla Dance

Photo credit: James Robotham. Dancer: Joe Darby

You may have seen us advertise a couple of sharings during our six weeks making The Incredible Presence of a Remarkable Absence. These informal shows of the work in-progress are a really vital tool for us because in existentialist terms, they introduce 'The Other' into the progress. 

I thought that, since our piece explores existentialism, I might use the existentialist concept of 'The Other' to discuss the importance of our informal sharings. For the existentialist, we are conscious as either a being-for-itself or a being-for-others. So, when I'm composing, tucked away in the corner of the studio with my headphones on and left to my own devises, I am a being-for-itself. In this moment I am a godlike subject, completely in control of all sound and free to make whatever decision I see fit in that moment. However, when I play the sound through the speakers, my illusions of power and control disappear as my consciousness is immediately aware of 'The Others', and their potential opinions. The presence of 'The Other' disintegrates the world from my point of view and destroys the illusion that we are the centre of the universe. 

Being aware of 'The Other' completely changes how I hear my own music: I consider what they might think, and what they might say. This happens continuously during the process as we run sections with new music, show sections to outside eyes, and share ideas with each other. This can mean that even without feedback simply sharing the music can change my opinion on it. 

So, when we have a sharing and invite you to see what we have done, Abi and I get an opportunity to watch what we have made with completely different eyes. Our viewing experience is transformed by switching to a being-for-others state of consciousness. 

So thank you, because when you come to see our show, or participate in an in-progress sharing, you change how the dancers perform, and how we see the piece; you become 'The Other Lîla'.

Dougie :)

Photo Credit: Cover image/photo 1 by James Rowbotham