In a society where the frenetic pace leaves little room for introspection, a man chooses to withdraw. Alone, he sets out in search of answers about the purpose of his existence and his place in this world. His journey lies at the heart of *The Song of the Sword*, a performance that blends choral singing and Noh theater.

Portrayed by Noh artist Masato Matsuura, the man takes us on his journey of initiation. Torn between solitude and a desire for unity, he yearns for peace within himself and with the world. The voices of Aedes surround him, call out to him, challenge him, or enlighten him, revealing the shifting contours of his relationship with others.

Works chosen for their evocative power mark these ritual passages: the famous “Der Leiermann,” an excerpt from Schubert’s Winterreise; the incantatory “Curse upon Iron” by Veljo Tormis; “Seesama meri” by Evelin Seepar; and “Kazegaku” by Aurélien Dumont for choir and utai singing, composed for this production. Two pieces of music representative of the West and Japan guide the traveler toward his final destination: a return to oneself, in renewed harmony with the world.

Introduction to the performance 1 hour before the show