Animation: Steven Universe – Rose’s Scabbard

In light of the Summer of Steven (starting today!) I thought I’d share with you one of my favourite episodes. Unless you hadn’t guessed it’s Rose’s Scabbard. It focuses on Pearl the gem who, after finding a relic of her ‘dead’ friend, falls victim to her unresolved devastation at her loss.

It’s made clear from the beginning of the series that Pearl is neurotic (to say the least), as evidenced in Space Race when Pearl fixates on her objective to leave Earth so passionately that it is detrimental to herself and those she loves. In Rose’s Scabbard we perceive this same intensity and passion but applied to Rose and love.

The episode begins with Pearl’s excitement to teach Steven all about Rose: her leadership and armoury.  In Pearl’s mind she is not like the other crystal gems, she occupies a special position in Rose, (a privileged position) as her ‘sole confidant’. She’s in disbelief when Steven is familiar with everything already, having been introduced to it by Lion (who even is this guy?!).

http://rebeccasugar.tumblr.com/post

It becomes apparent that Rose is a mystery to everyone and Pearl is no exception. This realisation for Pearl is crushing. She again hurts those she loves, exclaiming cruelly that Steven couldn’t possibly comment on Rose when he’s ‘never even met her’. 

Her passion and unwavering devotion to Rose is shown as, while flawlessly reciting an intimate moment between them, she is stirred with sorrow and frustration. As the moment ends and Rose disappears in the burst of light we understand with what suddenness Pearl happiness has abandoned her. It’s a great development of Pearl, revealing a glimpse into her complex character and history.

My favourite part of the episode is the background art combined with the soundtrack. I feel that they perfectly represent Pearl’s feelings: her despair, loneliness, purposelessness, love lost and then found (she does have Steven after all). But best of all is the ambiguity for the audience as to whether the love she has found satisfies her loss (she doesn’t give anything away; her face is a blank page at the end). 

http://stevencrewniverse.tumblr.com/
post

I’m so intrigued about Pearl, and the nature of all Pearls. I want to know how Rose and Pearl met and the basis of Pearl’s belief that she is distinct in Rose’s eyes from the other crystal gems. Where was she before the crystal gems? So many questions! Bring on the Summer of Steven! 

The Summer of Steven starts today 18/07/2016 on Cartoon Network at 19:00. 

Art: Natalia Osipova at Sadler Wells Theatre

www.sadlerswells.com/
https://www.google.co.uk/search

Sadler’s Wells is renowned for delivering to its audiences, contemporary performances from various genres of dance. Their intention is to urge viewers to have a deep engagement with the performances and provoke different feelings and thoughts. It’s a noble cause and often good art succeeds in achieving this reaction.

Natalia Osipova is no doubt a skilled dancer; in fact she’s rather phenomenal, having begun her formal ballet training at age eight she has danced with such notable companies as The Bolshoi and The Royal Ballet, she moves expertly and beautifully.

The production in question was certainly unique. It was split into three separate parts, each of which told a different story. The first I would describe as interpretive dance in the truest sense of the word. Indeed no one I spoke to regarding this dance had deciphered the same story. I had imagined a desert and that the dancers were working together to survive. A friend of mine had seen a love triangle and another had believed there was no story at all, just dance for the sake of dance (l’art pour l’art!). It definitely got us all thinking, talking, debating (agreeing to disagree).

The second part (and my personal favourite) included more ballet and a much more sombre feel. It was executed with such precision and such feeling that the viewer could not help but be immersed.

Last was a more conventional story of a doomed love affair told with a haunting narration and (as always) the fluid and expressive dancing of Natalia.

http://www.sadlerswells.com/

whats-on/2016/natalia-osipova/
https://www.google.co.uk/

The performance was a unique experience and with tickets from £14.40, it’s certainly a fairly priced and fun little thing to do in London town. I also understand that this performance is the first to be commissioned by Ms Osipova in her pursuit of communicating different artistic expressions. Though I recognise that this work was not the most breath-taking performance I had ever witnessed, Osipova's talent is undeniable, her push for something innovative and new is exciting and I can’t wait to see what she does next.


Sadler's Wells Theatre
Rosebery Avenue
London
EC1R 4TN

http://www.sadlerswells.com/