
It’s usually considered a bad thing when the audience falls asleep during a performance. But not here: at this event at the Radialsystem arts center you are permitted – encouraged, even – to drift off. That’s just as well, since the performance is 12 hours long, running from 19h30 to 7h30. Nocturnes for a Society is the title of the marathon show, created by sound artist Myriam Van Imschoot and set designer Lucas van Haesbroeck. Once you’ve settled into your seat (or bed – mattresses are provided) the Brussels-based artists will envelop you in a special sound environment to which you will eventually fall asleep, the sounds of Holzmarktstrasse in the background. The theme of the night is shared experience: you become part of the performance, interacting with sounds, fabrics and light as a participant rather than passive audience member. Inspiration for the performance comes from the late American composer Pauline Oliveros, who developed the concept of “deep listening” which focuses on mindful and deliberate auditory awareness. The performance will be held for two nights (26 & 27.07.2024) preceded by two sessions where people can learn about creating felt which will be used for the nocturnal event (participation in the first sessions is not mandatory). Reserve your spot here and get ready to lay back, snuggle up and spend the night immersed in sound.
Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Phil Dera & Veerle Vercauteren
Radialsystem, Holzmarktstr.33, 10243 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Nocturnes for a Society (26 & 27.07.2024), tickets available online.
Embodied Practices (21 & 24.07.2024) – free event, register online.
@radialsystem_berlin