Choreographic influences behind Contagion

One of the choreographic influences behind Contagion is the virus, with interesting architecture, dynamics and behaviour. From a purely scientific perspective it is capable of rapid, random mutations and is very agile and adaptive. All of which have obvious symmetries to dance movement.

The work of Egon Schiele provides a visual footnote to the prodution. Based in Vienna his work reflected early understandings of neuroscience and psychology through twisted anatomical body shapes, expressive lines and sickly colouring presaging war. Schiele’s vision of the vulnerable human body thematically suggests both war and the rapid spread of disease. On 31 October 1918 at the age of 28 Schiele died of Spanish flu, three days after his pregnant wife.

Addressed through film, text and movement, the aesthetic of the entire piece is influenced by the historical time, events and civil response to the flu.