Superb Professors

Alvin Ailey “Revelations” Analysis

The purpose of this assignment is to view Alvin Ailey’s iconic choreography “Revelations” and identify themes expressed in the work that reflect life events/emotions. Dance comes from life, as we have been exploring in class, and this piece illustrates how themes in pre-history continue to be relevant throughout time.

Please watch the entire video that we started viewing in class:

Revelations is a 3 part suite.  Each of the three sections contains various scenes.  You may use this listing of the musical pieces to guide you in identifying the scenes.

Music
PILGRIM OF SORROW
I Been ‘Buked – Music arranged by Hall Johnson*
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel – Music arranged by James Miller+
Fix Me, Jesus – Music arranged by Hall Johnson*

TAKE ME TO THE WATER
Processional/Honor, Honor – Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
Wade in the Water – Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
“Wade in the Water” sequence by Ella Jenkins  / “A Man Went Down to the River” is an original composition by Ella Jenkins
I Wanna Be Ready – Music arranged by James Miller+

MOVE, MEMBERS, MOVE
Sinner Man – Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts
The Day is Past and Gone – Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers
You May Run On – Music arranged by Howard A. Roberts and Brother John Sellers
Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham – Music adapted and arranged by Howard A. Roberts

For this assignment, please identify the themes expressed in each of the three sections, 1)Pilgrim of Sorrow, 2)Take me to the Water, 3)Move, Members, Move

Describe how these themes are developed in the scenes that comprise each section.  Include descriptions of costuming, lighting, music, and composition (solo, duet, trio, ensemble, etc) that help create these themes.

Use the listing above as a guide to organize your paper.  Create a document in Word, 12pt font, 1″margins, no more than two pages, double spaced.  Separate title page, please.

Please view the video and begin your assignment.  You can bring any questions regarding this assignment to our next class.