The Japanese Garden

This performance portrays the beauty of Japanese gardens in a tale told through images and dance. Japanese gardens are worlds in miniature, and their origins are found in a story: Shiro, a brave young boy, is the first to leave his small mountain village and reach the sea, the ocean… He can go no further. After a brief narration, the story transforms into a dance: we embark on an exploration of a landscape that changes as the boy walks through it. When he returns, the boy is struck silent; he tells the story of his wonderful journey through creating a garden.

In the performance, the garden is reconstructed using images projected onto a large dance mat on the ground, a “magic” carpet that is sensitive to touch. Through hidden pressure sensors, the images and sounds come alive, and the children are encouraged to come onstage and explore the various natural environments. Whether individually or in small groups, the children can play in the garden and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds that Shiro experienced in his travels.

Age group: 5 and up