The intersection of physical virtuosity and cutting-edge digital scenography will take center stage at the Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte-Carlo next month. Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will present the world premiere of Waku Doki, a new multidisciplinary creation by the Nice-based troupe La Compagnie Humaine, on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Founded in 2002 by the dancer and choreographer Éric Oberdorff, La Compagnie Humaine has built an international reputation for placing universal human themes at the center of its projects. With Waku Doki, Oberdorff departs from traditional stage boundaries by partnering with digital artist Étienne Guiol to embed live choreography within an immersive digital environment.
The performance operates on a rich tapestry of artistic collaboration. Choreographed by Oberdorff, the production features video and set designs by Guiol, lighting design by Jean-Pierre Michel, and costumes by Camille Pénager. The sonic architecture of the piece is anchored by American minimalist composer Terry Riley’s seminal 1964 masterpiece, In C.
The technical complexity of the production relies heavily on a specialized partnership with Studio A+E, which handled the delegated production of the immersive digital set. A broad network of regional and international cultural institutions supported the work's development. Coproduction, residency, and industrial backing were provided by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, KLAP Maison pour la danse Marseille, the CCN Roubaix Hauts-de-France, and Châteauvallon Le Liberté (the national stage of Toulon Provence Méditerranée). The project also drew resources from Play False, a European network of cooperation based in Viseu, Portugal, following a dedicated creative residency at the Théâtre de l’Oulle in Avignon.
The premiere is scheduled to begin at 19:30 on July 10, with a consecutive performance running through July 11, marking a significant midsummer entry in the Principality's contemporary dance calendar.
Photo credits: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo