L'Enfant et les Sortilèges

- The Child and the Spells -

Jean-Christophe Maillot created L'Enfant et les Sortilèges in 1992 on his appointment as Choreographer-Director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Thirty years later, in December 2023, Jean-Christophe Maillot proposes a new creation, presented as part of the Centenary Celebrations of HSH Le Prince Rainier III.

« A seven year-old boy, grumpy and unwilling to do his homework, is scolded by his mother. In an outburst of anger, the young boy takes it out on every object around: a tea pot, a kettle, a book, a clock... until he slumps on an old armchair, worn-out. Suddenly, fantastic events happen. Objects come to life, animals start to chat, and they all plot revenge. Terrified, the young boy calls his mum, but gets no response. The creatures rush at the young boy. However a squirrel, hurt in the battle, is rescued by the child. Full of regrets, the creatures cease to torment the young boy, and forgive him for his past wrongdoings ». Libretto by Colette

Choreography: Jean-Christophe Maillot
Libretto: Colette
Music: Maurice Ravel
Costumes and sets: Jérôme Kaplan
Lighting: Dominique Drillot
Wigmaker: Sky Flores
Original drawings: Ines Reddah
Video: Loïc Van der Heyden, Justine Cornillie et Gregory Sebbane
Duration: 45 min

Premiere held on April 18th 1992, as part of the Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo
New creation held on December 20th 2023, Grimaldi Forum Monaco