[2]: 390 [3] On the choreography of this section, Deborah Jowitt, the author of Robbins' biography, wrote, "Over and over he lifts her or twines her through delicate balances; they separate only to rush together.
Violette Verdy, who created the female role, interpreted the duet as a happy marriage with some drama to prevent it from "coagulating."
Jowitt commented that this duet is "more settled... with a hint of a folk-dance step, she always confident that he will be there to support her."
"[2]: 390 New York Times's dance critic Jack Anderson wrote, "Life for them was an eternal cycle of quarrels and reconciliations.
"[3] At the end of this pas de deux, the two look at each other, the woman then sinks to the floor as she gently touches the man.
[5] The original cast consisted of:[6] Robbins began choreographing In the Night in late September 1969.
[2]: 390 The original costumes were designed by fashion illustrator Joe Eula, but were subsequently replaced by attires by The Royal Ballet artistic director Anthony Dowell.
In a letter to the company's co-founder Lincoln Kirstein, Robbins wrote that he was shocked "because no one had informed me that you both felt it was unworthy."