Nuit de Verre is an adaptation of Verre de Nuit created for the Archipel festival in 2006, in collaboration with percussionist Anne Cardinaud. The new version comprises only the lower part of the original structure, a circular metal plate powered by a motor which emits vibrations. Yann Marussich lies stretched out naked on a platform covered with vibrating shards of glass. He lets the vibrations pass through him so they do minimal physical damage. The performer must be well trained and focused to avoid any risks of a stroke, or any muscular contractions for that matter. The paradox of the situation is, that in order to survive, the body must let the shocks pass through it with no resistance: it must let the violence of the vibrations seep in. The vibrations are triggered from a distance by a remote control that the audience has access to. With each new touch on the remote, the vibrations intensify. On the remote itself, the audience is warned of the consequences of activating the switch, thereby raising awareness of their actions during the performance.

Text: Anne Rochat
English translation: AJS Craker