«Changing of the Guard» transformed Zurich’s historic barracks into a site-specific performance and sound installation. Inspired by intimate 1960s photographs capturing moments of care amid military training, the work brought together three drummers in a powerful, rhythmic dialogue that echoed themes of protection, change, and human connection. On the barracks’ lawn, two original guardhouses – discovered during research – stood like silent witnesses, resonating with the pulse of the performance throughout the day. This unique blend of sound, movement, and architecture invites reflection on the tension between control and care, asking us all: what social changes of guard do we need today?
It is a socially distanced drum kit, a callback to the milieu of military marches that have come before it.
Cal Cashin - Clash Magazine
The work has later been adapted into a gallery setting (installation and solo performance).
Credits:
Concept, Composition: Rahel Kraft
Performers Zurich: Alon Ben, Silvan Schmid, Rahel Kraft
Performer galley space: Rahel Kraft
Video: Axel Axel Crettenand
Photos: Axel Crettenand, Bianca Blair, Zlatko Mićić
Thanks: Amt für Raumentwicklung – Archäologie und Denkmalpflege, Kanton Zürich for lending us the guardhouses
