Photo : Théâtre du Châtelet (c)Thomas Amouroux
THE BALLAD OF NIJINSKY
A traveling stage unfolds within the walls of a historic mansion in the heart of the 10th district for a uniquely intimate encounter with dance history. Olivier Py directs this haunting exploration of Nijinski's final written reflections, transforming a converted truck into a sanctuary for a deeply emotional performance.
Conservatoire municipal Hector Berlioz (Paris 10th)
About
On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Théâtre du Châtelet brings La Bal(l)ade de Nijinski to the courtyard of the Hector Berlioz Conservatory in the 10th arrondissement. This unique production utilizes a mobile stage—a specialized truck that unfolds to reveal a concert grand piano—to present the intimate writings of Vaslav Nijinski. Directed by Olivier Py and featuring performer Bertrand de Roffignac and pianist Guilhem Fabre, this performance is open to the public free of charge. Please arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the 18:00 start time, as seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Théâtre du Châtelet in the conservatory courtyard!
A place of art and transmission, the Hector Berlioz Conservatory affirms, in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, a demanding cultural presence that is open and deeply rooted in its territory. Since 1981, it has carried out its activities in a remarkable location: the Hôtel Gouthière, built in 1780, whose courtyard facade and several listed rooms bear witness to an exceptional architectural heritage. This exceptional, history-laden setting is being transformed into a performance stage!
; Credits: Nicolas DeshoulièresTo inaugurate the project of a "decentralized" Châtelet, a truck-theater that transforms into a real performance stage will set up camp in the Conservatory's main courtyard to present the Ballad of Nijinsky.
The twilight of a leaping faun
Ten years after his success at the Théâtre du Châtelet in 1909, banished from the Ballets Russes, Vaslav Nijinsky wrote four notebooks in a psychiatric hospital that revisit his dazzling career, the last of which is more a series of letters and poems. This intimate testimony is a moving confiteor, a farewell to the world, a lament of anguish that gradually sinks into catatonia. In this “great book on feeling,” Nijinsky wages a battle between sense and intellect through incredible pages of literature. The style is shattering, because the man is shattered. It is what remains of him before he plunges into a long night of forty years.
; Credits: Théâtre du Châtelet (c)Thomas Amouroux ; Credits: Théâtre du Châtelet (c)Thomas AmourouxCulture outside the walls
Through their collaboration, uNopia and the Théâtre du Châtelet wish to help audiences far removed from this world discover and love classical music. The truck's mobile and easy format allows for a multiplication of concert venues, performance formats, and outreach to a wide public in all the places where music can be heard. When the stage-truck unfolds, it reveals a grand concert piano. The inside of the truck is a real mobile hall that brings the show everywhere.
; Credits: Théâtre du ChâteletCast:
Adaptation and Direction: Olivier Py
Scenography and Costumes: Pierre-André Weitz
Movement Collaboration: Karl Paquette
Musical Advisor: Guilhem Fabre
With:
Nijinsky: Bertrand de Roffignac
Pianist: Guilhem Fabre
Our take on this event
The Théâtre du Châtelet is launching its mobile stage project at the Hector Berlioz Conservatory, a historic 1780 site in the 10th arrondissement. The event, La Bal(l)ade de Nijinski, explores the poignant letters and poems written by the dancer Vaslav Nijinski during his transition into silence following his career with the Ballets Russes. Directed by Olivier Py, this production serves as a powerful testament to the artist's inner conflict.
The performance runs from 18:00 to 19:30 and showcases a creative collaboration between actor Bertrand de Roffignac and pianist Guilhem Fabre. The stage and costumes, designed by Pierre-André Weitz, alongside movement coaching by Karl Paquette, bring this historical narrative to life within the conservatory's courtyard.
Attendance is free, though capacity is limited. Audience members are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the 18:00 performance to secure a spot. This partnership between uNopia and the Théâtre du Châtelet aims to bring high-quality music and theater directly to the community through a flexible, mobile stage format.
