📚 Artificial Things — 6a.3
Structure
Overall form · Scene Three in order · The journey from isolation to resolution
📚 What you'll learn on this page
- Identify the correct structural form of Artificial Things and what it means
- Name the sections of Scene Three in order and describe each one briefly
- Explain how the changing number of dancers creates a structural journey
6a.3.1 Overall Form
E
Episodic Structure
The correct AQA term for the structural form of Artificial Things. The work is divided into distinct sections (episodes), each with its own character — but all connected by the overarching theme of life's limitations.
The whole work consists of three scenes. The exam focuses on Scene Three — but knowing how the scenes relate to each other helps you understand why Scene Three has the mood and intent it does.
1Scene One
Depicts the underlying tension between the characters. More vibrant and energetic. Five performers. The mood builds towards conflict.
2Scene Two
Exciting but violent. The characters seek liberation from suffering austerity. Ends in tragedy — which leads directly into Scene Three.
3Scene Three ★
The aftermath. Four dancers. Pensive, sorrowful but peaceful. This is the scene you are examined on — know every section in order.
Examiner's Eye
Always use the word episodic — not "sections" or "parts." Then explain what links the episodes together: "the sections are connected by the overarching theme of life's limitations." That earns the Link mark.
6a.3.2 Sections & Order
Scene Three has five sections plus a final image. They must be learned in order. Notice how the number of dancers on stage changes throughout — this is the choreographic device called manipulation of number.
Number of dancers on stage — the journey through Scene Three
2
Duet
disabled
disabled
→
2
Duet
non-disabled
non-disabled
→
3
Trio
Gliding
Gliding
→
4
Quartet
Portraits
Portraits
→
1
Solo
Dave
Dave
→
4
Final
image
image
1
Dave & Laura's Duet
Ground-based contact work involving a dismantled wheelchair. Both disabled dancers. Located downstage right.
2
David & Amy's Duet
Influenced by improvising around the idea of inviting touch, and leading and following. Both non-disabled dancers.
3
The Gliding Trio
Laura, David Willdridge and Amy Butler find harmony with the wheelchair. Each dancer takes responsibility for it. Laura leads; the others follow and translate her vocabulary.
4
Family Portraits — Quartet
All four dancers re-enact portraits of past family photos, influenced by the paintings of Djurovic. Seven tableaux. They find stillness — as if frozen in the snow globe.
5
Dave's Solo
Dave leaves the group, finds a lonely spotlight, and dances a personal solo to 'The Sunshine of Your Smile' — his father's song. He focuses on facial expression and physical storytelling. He forgets the words; the group joins in. Resolution.
★
Final Image
Dave returns to the group. All four are frozen in time — a final tableau — as the scene comes to a close. Constricted, but together.
The Structural Journey in one sentence
2 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 → 4. The scene moves from two separate isolated pairs to a growing sense of togetherness, peaks at the full quartet, strips back to a lone individual, then resolves with everyone back together — constricted but unified.
6a.3.3 💜 How Does the Structure Affect Your Experience?
💜 Your Personal Response
Structure is not just organisation — it shapes how an audience feels. These prompts ask you to reflect on your experience of the sections you have watched.
Prompt 1 — The solo
After the full group in Section 4, Dave suddenly performs alone. How does that sudden drop from four to one affect you as an audience member? What does it make you feel?
Prompt 2 — The final image
The scene ends with all four frozen in a tableau. Does this feel like resolution to you — or does it feel like they are still trapped? Can it be both?
Prompt 3 — The overall journey
The structure moves from isolated pairs to full togetherness. How effectively do you think this mirrors the choreographic intent of finding resolution by coming together?
💡 Copy your response into your ePortfolio — it is not saved automatically.
📌 Revisit This — Key Points from This Page
Overall formEpisodic — three scenes linked by the theme of life's limitations
Scene Three sectionsDuet (disabled) → Duet (non-disabled) → Gliding Trio → Quartet (Portraits) → Solo → Final Image
Manipulation of number2 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 → 4. The changing cast mirrors the journey from isolation to resolution
Family PortraitsSeven tableaux — all four dancers, inspired by Djurovic's paintings, frozen as if in a snow globe
Dave's SoloCloses Scene Three — tribute to his father. Group lip sync = resolution
Final ImageAll four frozen in time — constricted within the snow globe, but together
6a.3.4 Revision Check
✍️ Revision Check
7 questions on the structure of Artificial Things. Answer all seven, then submit.
1. What is the correct term for the structural form of Artificial Things?
2. How many scenes does Artificial Things consist of in total?
3. Which section opens Scene Three?
4. What is the correct order of the sections in Scene Three?
5. How many tableaux make up the Family Portraits section?
6. The changing number of dancers through Scene Three (2 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 → 4) is an example of which choreographic device?
7. What links the three scenes of Artificial Things together, making it episodic?
Take a screenshot of your score and paste it into your ePortfolio document so your teacher can see your progress.