Somnambules

2004

Nicolas Clauss (FR)
Jean-Jacques Birgé (FR)
Didier Silhol (FR)
Anne-Cathrine Nicoladzé
Elsa Birgé
Didier Petit
Bernard Vitet

“Somnambules” involves the interplay of dance, painting and music on the Internet. With the click of a mouse, any online visitor can exert his/her own personal influence on this net project. Become a part of a fascinating choreographic show!

“Somnambules” consists of a prologue/prelude and 12 scenes that merge contact dance, painting, video and music. The filmed movements of the dancers are projected onto a stage set made up of painted elements, and the music is composed as an evocation of emotions. The graphic and musical interactivity shifts the user into the center of the choreography.

This work is based on the short interactive films conceived and made by Jean-Jacques Birgé and Nicolas Clauss, which can be viewed online at http://www.flyingpuppet.com. Didier Silhol, on the other hand, is one of the French pioneers of improvisational contact dance, an artform that deals with laws of physics and interpersonal relationships.

Produced in cooperation with A.P.R.E. / Thécif – Région Ile de France / Atelier de Paris – Carolyn Carlson, and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
© A.P.R.E. 2003

“Somnambules” received an Honorary Mention in the 2004 Prix Ars Electronica’s Net Vision category.