Optical Delusions:  Questioning and Shifting the Cyclical Nature of Human Choice, Time, and the Behaviors of the Greater Universe

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/vh53ww205

Abstract

Optical Delusions is an eighteen-minute dance performance piece that inquires, and quite literally smashes delusions that have become deeply rooted in the human understanding of personal choice and the concept of time. Inspired by the writings and teachings of physicist Brian Greene and the theories of philosopher and composer Friedrich Nietzsche, melded with my own experiences in harnessing the power of choice, the audience finds themselves questioning the nature of the circles that inherently exist in our universe. The nature of the circles comes to life as the piece utilizes a loop pedal machine following a live-feed, projected feedback loop that brings the space to life. Using mirrors as a metaphor for perception and beyond, the dancers interact with pieces of glass strewn across the space. They are also seen obliterating their own reflections in projected video images. Throughout my process I ask the critical question, how can we initiate change in the perpetual circles that inherently dominate our lives?

Creator