Why are corps so abstract?

[verzephobe]

I don't really know if this is already a thread (I start basically every thread saying that LOL), but it's a bit upsetting to me that corps are splitting into abstract vs clear. There's a lot of shows this year that had CLEAR character-driven shows (BOOM, Observer Effect, Spectator Sport, Crosswalking, Demon Barber of Fleet Street) and even more that were just conceptual (aVANte GUARD, If I Must Fall..., Variations on a Gathering, Point of No Return, Phantom Regiment). I know a lot of innovative shows were conceptual (Tilt, Babylon, etc) but trying to recreate that magic just makes everything seem the same. I just wish more corps would focus on the character building of the story rather than seeming artsy.

[OldSnareDrummer]

As mentioned before, it's all about entertainment value for me. I don't give a rat's patooey what drives it or how they got there. Just make me want to hum your music. 

[KVG_DC]

ART

[Sh0uldN0t]

If Observer Effect was a clear, character-driven show, I might need a new prescription.

I'm not saying Bluecoats weren't good. They were. But clear? I saw the show four times and still don't have a clue. Maybe you meant "clean"?

[wolfgang]

One man's art is another man's pretentiousness.

Some people see a banana taped to the wall of an art gallery as edgy art. Others see a snack.

[2000Cadet]

2 hours ago, wolfgang said:

One man's art is another man's pretentiousness.

Some people see a banana taped to the wall of an art gallery as edgy art. Others see a snack.

I certainly saw a snack. 

[Mad Mello]

This topic has existed since drum corps existed. Today's avant garde show is tomorrow's passe old school show.

[contraguard05]

The pendulum swings both ways. If a successful show is about a specific thing and it permeates through the entire theme (like 2014 Bluecoats with Tilt), it will entice designers to follow suit. If the winning show was The Holy Egoism Of Genius(actually a pretty cool WGI show), designers will want to match that.

Stick around for a couple more years and someone will do a show about trees, using the Log jingle.

https://youtu.be/8-9scNP5KWk?si=eHDl5LMOuxno2iLK

[wolfgang]

Theme shows are likely here to stay, though Cadets Our Favorite Things onl had the barest thread connecting them.

[brassboy]

There’s space for all of them to exist. It’s ironic that you believe what’s currently happening makes them all seem the same but in the same breath suggest everyone literally do the same thing.