Commission to Aurélien Dumont

Yokai Matsuri! is a performance combining music, theater, and choreography, presented in connection with the Musée Guimet’s Manga exhibition. It explores the world of Yokai—supernatural beings from Japanese folklore that have significantly influenced the development of Manga. Their visual depictions, Yokai-ga, reflect Japan’s longstanding engagement with the spiritual and the supernatural.

Drawing on Japanese traditions, composer Aurélien Dumont and performer Yôko Higashi create a dialogue in Yokai Matsuri! between sound and movement. Higashi embodies Manga-inspired characters through choreography influenced by Butô, a post-war dance form. The performance unfolds through a series of scenes inspired by the traits and stories of Yokai, as well as their representation in Manga. One segment may include a tale from Lafcadio Hearn’s Kwaidan, which also features in Têtes (2017) by Misato Mochizuki, the second work on the program.

Yokai Matsuri! involves an artistic encounter between French and Japanese culture, inviting audiences to experience the links between folklore, movement, and contemporary music.

The commission to Aurélien Dumont and the performance at the Musée Guimet are supported by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.

Further Information:
court-circuit.fr

Dates

February 7, 2026
Musée Guimet, Paris