The Choreographic Construction of the “Traumatized Collective” in In the Depths of Memory

Abstract

In the Depths of Memory serves as an artistic commemoration of the Nanjing Massacre, one of the most catastrophic events in modern Chinese history. Through stylized theatrical expression, the choreographer constructs a multitude of symbolic stage images. Among these, the most prominent and thematically significant figures are the collective of those who suffered during the massacre. This group-transcending distinctions of profession, social status, and gender-shares a common experience of peril and anguish. The choreography of In the Depths of Memory dedicates multiple dance sequences to depicting this “traumatized collective.” From the perspective of movement composition, variations in physical motivation, modes of motion, and spatial dynamics collectively shape the representation of trauma on stage, thereby generating a richer aesthetic texture and a deeper emotional resonance.