Gloria

In this film, late choreographer Douglas Wright's work Gloria is captured on camera by Alun Bollinger, in a rare directorial effort from the legendary Kiwi cinematographer. Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria in D major RV589, a hymn praising the birth of Christ, plays behind a yellow and black flurry of limbs and gestures. The journey from gymnastic leaps to rest marks the cycle of life. The work was shot soon after Wright returned from his dance OE, and formed the Douglas Wright Dance Company. The screening attracted attention from morals groups worried about nudity on television.

I had to go away from these men and their companies [Paul Taylor, DV8] to do my own work, instead of their work. I have made pieces like Gloria which I consider to be my apprentice masterworks, out of the studio of Paul Taylor, so to speak. Those deep influences have provided a bridge for me to the works that are really my own.

– Douglas Wright, in a 16 February 1996 interview for Landfall

Key Cast & Crew

Vincent Burke

Producer

Alun Bollinger

Director, Camera Operator

Douglas Wright

Choreographer, Dancer

Lou Oliver

Musical Director

Janet Gibbs

Conductor

Taiaroa Royal

Dancer