As times and religions have changed over the years, the importance and worshipping of Greek gods have diminished over the centuries. However, the tales of the gods, goddesses, and creatures have lived through the centuries via various depictions through art and literature. Greek myths are still prevalent in modern times through popular culture; for example, through brands, literature, and modern art. Specifically, Kyle Hanagami’s choreography of Iron by Woodkid is a direct representation of the myth of the Abduction of Persephone — although there are a few differences from the choreography to the mythology — it is a modern retelling of the fable through dance. This choreography can be divided into three sections – abduction, escape, and acceptance, …show more content…
Initially, viewers are greeted with Haley Fitzgerald alone on screen. Haley represents Persephone in this single moment in various ways. Superficially, Haley is completely donned in white, this represents Persephone’s innocence and purity. Innocence and purity is essential to her character since in the myths her mother, Demeter, loved and cherished her daughter so much that she discouraged all of Persephone’s suitors and continued to treat her like a little girl (citation – poem, alice jones). Additionally, Haley’s white outfit later provides a contrast against Guero Charles’. This contrast in clothing represents the difference between Persephone and Hades. Persephone, the goddess of springtime, is associated with rebirth and life, and Hades, the god of the Underworld, is associated with death. Continuing through the dance, at 00:08 Guero sneaks up behind Haley and grabs her. This moment directly relates to Hades, (-- removed HTML --) and abducting Persephone (citation). The quick and sharp movements (actions??) following this movement is symbolic of the struggle of Persephone against Hades when he captured her. This struggle is also evident in David Bernini’s statue of The Rape of Proserpina. Bernini’s statue depicts the most dramatic moment in the story and the scene is filled with heart-reaching emotion as the figures twist and strain in opposite directions. From 00:24 – 00:27, it seems like Haley’s movements are controlled by Guero. Hanagami’s choice in the choreography here is representative of the control that Hades had over Persephone during her abduction. Hades’ control over Persephone is also prevalent in the poem “The Return of Persephone” by A.D Hope. In the poem, Hades is noted to be the “Lord of her body and being,” which further reiterates the idea of Hades having complete control over Persephone and the events surrounding her abduction. To end this