Bioluminiscence

Tanzhaus Zurich, 2025

In a post-apocalyptic setting, four disabled performers connect and create a lush soundscape with their essential tools. With the help of Memory, they cast spells to honour their disabled ancestors and transform the world around them. Criptonite reclaims survival and challenges assumptions about resilience.

The costumes were created through upcycling and textile techniques such as stitching and UV-reactive embroidery. Second-hand garments were reworked into outfits that reflected both the aesthetic vision of the piece and the accessibility needs of the performers. Access tools were integrated into the costumes, including distinct sound elements for each character to support blind audiences.

The design process emphasised simplicity, improvisation and collaboration, beginning with a team workshop to collect textures and shapes for the characters. By cripping conventional theatre practices with slowing down timelines, simplifying processes, and embedding access as an aesthetic and structural principle rather than an afterthought, I could do research about crip methodologies.

Artistic Direction and Performance: Nina Mühlemann, Edwin Ramirez
Development&Performance: Flor Adam Méchain, Roy Fischer
Dramaturgy: Alexandrina Hemsley
Dramaturgy, Audiodescription: Noah Mundinger
Light: Tina Bleuler, Patrik Rimann
Collaboration on Audio Description and Performance: Brianna Deproose
Sound Design: Susanne Affolter
Scenography: Therese Indermaur
Costume Design: Nicole Frei
Costume Assistant: Denisa Svachova
Production: Laeticia Blättler (Moin Moin Productions)
Production Assistant: Pauline Della Bianca
Sign Language Interpreter: Tamara Bangerter
Deaf Interpreter: Monika Goldefusova
Dramaturgical Advisor Tanzhaus Zürich: Lisa Letnansky
Consulting for Sound Effects: Marquis’ McGee
Photography: Mayar El Bakry

Coproduction Tanzhaus Zürich, 2025