New

The sword song

With Masato Matsuura, Noh artist

Saison 2026-2027

Performance

1h15 with no interval

Synopsis

In a constantly changing society, in which the frantic pace of life leaves little room for introspection or connection, a man chooses to withdraw. Alone, he goes forth in search of answers concerning the purpose of his existence and his place in this world. His quest lies at the heart of Le Chant du Sabre, a performance that brings together choral singing and Noh theatre.

Portrayed by the Noh artist Masato Matsuura, the protagonist takes us with him on an intimate path toward self-discovery. Torn between a desire for solitude and a longing for connection, he strives to find peace with himself and the world around him. The voices of Aedes surround, call out to, challenge, or enlighten him, revealing the shifting contours of his relationship with others.

Works chosen for their evocative power mark these ritual passages: “Der Leiermann” (the famous concluding song from Schubert’s Die Winterreise), the incantatory Curse upon Iron by Veljo Tormis, Evelin Seepar’s Seesama meri (“The Same Sea”), and Kazegaku for a cappella choir and utai (traditional Japanese Noh chant), composed specifically for this production by Aurélien Dumont. These two musical traditions, representative of Western and Japanese cultures respectively, guide the traveller toward his ultimate destination: a return to his true self, in newfound harmony with the world.