L'Enfant noir

At the crossing of Western and African cultures, the music of Jean-Louis Florentz draws its genius from the composer’s numerous travels in Africa. La Tempête pays tribute to his work by offering a version of "L'Enfant noir", Florentz’ unfinished project. In this profoundly personal version, the creation feeds on dialogue and encounters.

"L'Enfant noir" is a mystical ritual where several meetings occur: Jean-Louis Florentz and Camara Laye, Europe and Africa, music and literature. The oral tradition of the tale goes beyond frontiers, in spite of its protean form. We listen to stories, whether they are told during a rite of passage or around a campfire.

Inspired by African traditions, the ensemble invites two narrators to tell the autobiographical story of Camara Laye. Thus, through the brilliant acting of Anne-Lise Heimburger and the enchanting kora of the griot Ali Cissoko, the listener travels to upper Guinea and learns about the mystic traditions that influenced Camara Laye’s childhood.