Gospel Impressions | Synopsis Movements 1 & 2

Movement I:

The opening movement of Gospel Impressions introduces each of the Gospels. Artist and author Makoto Fujimura created five paintings that reflect specific aspects of the Gospel message as portrayed through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The opening, circular formation draws on the paint and color in Fujimura’s paintings. (i.e. the first layer of the ballet!). The opening group section for Matthew (Consider the Lilies) is taken quite literally. The formations created by the dancers depict the shape of a flower. The stage acts like a three dimensional canvas.

Right from the beginning, the contrast of circles and lines not only reflects the paintings, but also the impact of the Gospel message in our broken, hurting, and chaotic world. The Gospel message is so contrary to the world’s message, standards, and values. Every time the corps de ballet dances in unison, the common themes and parables from the Gospel are amplified. The overlap of the Gospels is seen clearly through the woven choreography and costume design.

Movement II: 

Beginning with Luke (or Fujimura’s Prodigal God) audiences are presented with the palpable tension between legalism and grace. Many are familiar with the parable of the prodigal son, in which a son approaches his father, demands his inheritance, and squanders everything given to him by living recklessly.

The bright, flickering flames in this piece represent the Gospel of Mark. In the middle of the second movement, 9/11 is referenced as the “flames” encircle the towers of dancers and bring them to ground zero. The pain and tragedy that came out of 9/11 turned the gaze of American people upward. 

Stay tuned for next week’s post on Movement III. Many thanks to Company Apprentice Sophia Snider for allowing us to share her writings with you all.