Beaver Dam Company - Edouard Hue - ‘Before Night Falls’/‘The Firebird’

“I do not choreograph to give answers,” warns Édouard Hue. His physical, vibrant dance first seeks to create “states of the body.” Yet it does not shy away from exploring the tensions of a society where the boundaries of reality are increasingly blurred. For Hue, this exploration centers on the essential challenge of parenthood. In Avant la nuit, under Jonathan Soucasse’s electronic layers, gestures, games, and exchanges of pre-sleep rituals unfold for ten “real-fake” children and their two parents. His reimagining of The Firebird, three years after a first version for the Ballet de l’Opéra Grand Avignon, extends the work by betting on humanity’s ability to overcome divisions and restore dialogue. In Yoko Sayama’s aerial scenography, the Katcheï—the imaginary kingdom of the original story—becomes a place of control and illusion under the watch of the Kuroko. These darkly dressed characters from traditional Japanese theater embody the moving shadows of a world hypnotized by mirages. Anchored in reality, Ivan Tsarévitch becomes the liberating hero who, with the Firebird, rekindles the flame of truth. Captivation guaranteed. 2026 Creation – Piece for 12 performers French Premiere – Co-production Festival de Danse Cannes – Côte d’Azur Choreography: Edouard Hue Music Avant la nuit: Jonathan Soucasse Music The Firebird: Igor Stravinsky Graphic Design: Marc Limousin Scenography: Yoko Sayama Costumes: Sigolène Pétey Lighting Design: Arnaud Viala Dramaturgy Advisor: Hugo Roux Performers: Alison Adnet, Alizée Droux, Delphine Guigue, Svetlana Guseva, Maxime Jeannerat, Jaewon Jung, Laurie-Kokoreff-Brütt, Lysandre Korelis, Ainhoa Pina Cayuela, Arianna Pina Cayuela, Ambre Pini, Enorah Schwaar