Natchav

Natchav

Premiered in December 2019 at La Maison de la Culture de Nevers Agglomération

Shadow and music theatre
all ages (8 years and older)

At the first light of dawn, the Natchav circus arrives to town. Soon, the first blows of the sledgehammer ring out, and the sound of the immense canvas whipping through the air can be heard as it unfurls along the tent poles being hoisted towards the sky. But the authorities don't take such a poetic view and oppose this new arrival... The circus performers resist; an acrobat is arrested and a whole world becomes imprisoned.

Natchav, meaning “to go away, to run away” in Rromani, recounts the adventures of a circus that — to remain free — defies every rule, including the laws of gravity. Four puppeteers and two musicians/foley artists confront two worlds in total opposition, that of the circus and that of the prison. Like a film shot live on stage, they take us on an adventure while simultaneously revealing what goes on behind the scenes.

The Exhibition

The Creation of Shadows
an exhibition based on the show Natchav

It took three years to produce the show Natchav. This exhibition presents a collection of drawings and photographs that retrace the journey of this adventure — from the conception of the story to the creation of the sets.

Selection of images from the exhibition (to the right). For an overview of the full exhibition, download the PDF below.

The Team

Idea and design: Les ombres portées

Manipulation and lights: 4 puppeteers (alternating)
Erol Gülgönen, Florence Kormann, Frédéric Laügt, Marion Lefebvre, Christophe Pagnon, Claire Van Zande
Music and sound effects: 2 musicians (alternating)
Séline Gülgönen (clarinet), Jean Lucas (trombone, accordion), Simon Plane (trumpet, tuba, accordion, percussion), Lionel Riou (trumpet or trombone, accordion, percussion)
Lighting: 1 lighting director (alternating)
Nicolas Dalban–Moreynas, Thibault Moutin
Sound: 1 sound director (alternating)
Frédéric Laügt, Yaniz Mango, Corentin Vigot
Production and distribution: Christelle Lechat
Production and administration: Susanna Hsing

Margot Chamberlin participated to the set design and performed this show from 2019 to 2023.

With help from: Zoé Caugant (Costumes), Léo Maurel (sound effect machines), Baptiste Bouquin (outside ear), Jean-Yves Pénafiel (outside eye).
Also thanks to: Francine Benotman, Jacques Bouault, Stéphane Revelant and Elsa Vanzande.

We dedicate this show to Olivier Cueto, a member of the company who passed away in March 2020. He imagined, created and performed this show with us until the very end.

partners

Co-productions and residencies :
Espace Périphérique - Mairie de Paris - Parc de la Villette
 • La Fabrique, Messeugne 
• La Faïencerie, théâtre de Creil 
• La Ferme du Buisson, scène nationale de Marne-la-Vallée
 • Festival Momix et le CREA, scène conventionnée Jeune Public d’Alsace, Kingersheim • La Fonderie, Le Mans • Le Théâtre, scène conventionnée de Laval
 • Maison de la Culture de Nevers Agglomération
 
• La Maison des Enfants du Quercy, Le Bouyssou
 
• MA scène nationale – Pays de Montbéliard
 • La Minoterie, Scène convention Art, Enfance, Jeunesse, Dijon
 • Le TANDEM, scène nationale, Arras-Douai
 • Le Tas de Sable, Amiens • Théâtre La Licorne, Dunkerque • Théâtre-Sénart, scène nationale
 • TJP, CDN Strasbourg - Grand Est

Grants:
• Ministère de la Culture - DRAC Île-de-France
• Région Île-de-France

© Tomás Amorim
© Tomás Amorim
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Tomás Amorim
© Tomás Amorim
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Tomás Amorim
© Tomás Amorim
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
© Tomás Amorim
© Tomás Amorim
© Les ombres portées
© Les ombres portées
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UPCOMING DATES

PAST DATES

2019

Natchav
Dunkerque (59-FR)
End of residency performance / Théâtre La Licorne
Oct. 31, 2019
Natchav
Nevers (58 - FR)
Maison de la Culture de Nevers Agglomération (first)
From December 02 to 3, 2019
Natchav
Laval (53 - FR)
Le Théâtre, scène conventionnée de Laval
From December 10 to 11, 2019

2020

Natchav
Dijon (21 - FR)
La Minoterie, scène conventionnée Art, enfance et jeunesse
Jan. 17, 2020
Natchav
Strasbourg (67 - FR)
TJP, CDN Strasbourg - Grand Est
From January 31 to Feb. 6, 2021
Natchav
Fosses (95 - FR)
Espace Germinal, with Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt of Goussainville
From February 24 to 25, 2020
Natchav
Garges-lès-Gonesse (95 - FR)
Espace Lino Ventura
Feb. 28, 2020
Natchav
Chalon-sur-Saône (71 - FR)
Espace des arts, scène nationale
From March 09 to 10, 2020
Natchav
Saint-Michel-sur-Orge (91 - FR)
Espace Marcel Carné, with centre culturel Pablo Picasso La Norville
From March 22 to 23, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Jouy-le-Moutier (95 - FR)
Théâtre de Jouy
March 27, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Herblay (95 - FR)
Théâtre Roger Barat
From April 02 to 3, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Bourgoin-Jallieu (38 - FR)
Théâtre Jean Vilar, scène Rhône-Alpes, with le Vellein, scènes de la CAPI
From April 14 to 16, 2020
CANCELLED SHOW
Natchav
Le Grand-Quevilly (76 - FR)
Théâtre Charles Dullin
April 28, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Noisiel (77 - FR)
La Ferme du Buisson, scène nationale de Marne-la-Vallée
From May 05 to 7, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Guyancourt (78 - FR)
La Ferme de Bel-Ebat
From May 15 to 16, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Saint-Michel-sur-Orge (91 - FR)
Espace Marcel Carné, with the cultural center Pablo Picasso of La Norville
From September 27 to 28, 2020
Natchav
Le Grand-Quevilly (76 - FR)
Théâtre Charles Dullin
Oct. 9, 2020
Natchav
Montbéliard (25 - FR)
MA Scène Nationale
From November 04 to 6, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Château-Gontier (53 - FR)
Le Carré, scène nationale
From November 10 to 12, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Gradignan (33 - FR)
Théâtre des Quatre Saisons
From November 22 to 23, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Saint-Genis-Laval (69 - FR)
La Mouche
From December 10 to 11, 2020
RESCHEDULED SHOW

2021

Natchav
Évry (91 - FR)
Théâtre Ephémère, scène nationale de l’Essonne
From January 07 to 8, 2021
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Huningue (68 - FR)
Le Triangle, as part of the Festival Compli’Cité with Momix
Jan. 22, 2021
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Luxembourg
Les Rotondes
From February 04 to 6, 2021
Natchav
Juvisy-sur-Orge (91 - FR)
Les Bords de Scènes, Espace Jean Lurçat
Feb. 12, 2021
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Herblay (95 - FR)
Théâtre Roger Barat
From March 01 to 2, 2021
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Cormeilles-en-Parisis (95)
Théâtre du Cormier
From March 05 to 6, 2021
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Saumur (49 - FR)
Théâtre Le Dôme
March 12, 2021
RESCHEDULED SHOW
Natchav
Pantin (93 - FR)
Salle Jacques Brel - As part of the Biennale internationale des arts de la marionnette 2021
From May 07 to April 8, 2021
CANCELLED SHOW
Natchav
Jouy-le-Moutier (95 - FR)
Théâtre de Jouy
May 21, 2021
CANCELLED SHOW
Natchav
Creil (60 - FR)
La Faïencerie, scène conventionnée
From June 16 to 18, 2021
Natchav
Lieusaint (77 - FR)
Théâtre-Sénart, scène nationale
From June 23 to 26, 2021
Natchav
Herblay (95 - FR)
Théâtre Roger Barat as part of the Festival Les Marmots
From September 10 to 11, 2021
Natchav
Charleville-Mézières (08 - FR)
Festival mondial des théâtres de marionnettes
From September 17 to 19, 2021
Natchav
Cormeilles-en-Parisis (FR - 95)
Théâtre du Cormier
From October 08 to 9, 2021
Natchav
Noisiel (FR - 77)
La Ferme du Buisson, scène nationale de Marne-la-Vallée
From October 21 to 22, 2021
Natchav
Forbach (FR - 57)
Festival franco-allemand Loostik
From November 09 to 10, 2021
Natchav
Gradignan (33 - FR)
Théâtre des Quatre Saisons, Scène Conventionnée d'intérêt national « Art et Création »
From November 19 to 20, 2021
Natchav
Chevilly-Larue (94 - FR)
Théâtre Chevilly-Larue André Malraux
From December 02 to 3, 2021
Natchav
Vendôme (41 - FR)
L'Hectare
From December 07 to 8, 2021
Natchav
Montbéliard (25 - FR)
MA Scène Nationale, Pays de Montbéliard
From December 15 to 17, 2021

2022

Natchav
Saint-Genis-Laval (69 - FR)
La Mouche
From January 13 to 14, 2022
Natchav
Huningue (68 - FR)
Le Triangle, as part of the Festival Compli’Cité with Momix
Jan. 21, 2022
Natchav
Nürnberg, Germany
Festival panoptikum
From February 10 to 11, 2022
Natchav
Abon-sur-Seine (91 - FR)
Les Bords de Seine, Espace culturel Alain-Poher
From February 18 to 19, 2022
Natchav
Auray (FR - 56)
Festival Méliscènes, Centre Culturel Athena
March 22, 2022
Natchav
Bourges (18 - FR)
Maison de la Culture de Bourges
From March 29 to 31, 2022
Natchav
Château-Gontier (53 - FR)
Le Carré, scène nationale
From April 07 to 8, 2022
Natchav
Guyancourt (78 - FR)
La Ferme de Bel Ebat
From April 21 to 23, 2022
Natchav
Dunkerque (59 - FR)
Le Bateau Feu, scène nationale
From April 27 to 30, 2022
Natchav
Dieppe (76 - FR)
DSN, Dieppe scène nationale
May 10, 2022
Natchav
Nîmes (30 - FR)
Théâtre de Nîmes Bernadette Lafont / Odéon
From May 18 to 20, 2022
Natchav
Saumur (49 - FR)
Théâtre Le Dôme
June 2, 2022
Natchav
Schaan (Liechtenstein)
The Tak
From June 22 to 23, 2022
Natchav
Pantin (93)
Théâtre du Fil de l’eau
From October 07 to 8, 2022
Natchav
Bron (69) - FR
Pôles en scènes à l’Espace Albert Camus
Nov. 10, 2022
Natchav
Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg)
Escher Theater
From November 17 to 18, 2022
Natchav
Metz (57) - FR
Cité musicale à la BAM
From November 23 to 25, 2022
Natchav
Bar le Duc (55) - FR
acb, scène nationale
From December 02 to 3, 2022
Natchav
Auch (32) - FR
CIRCA
From December 09 to 10, 2022
Natchav
Nérac (47) - FR
Espace d’Albret
From December 14 to 15, 2022

2023

Natchav
St Quentin en Yvelines (78) - FR
TSQY, Scène nationale
From January 11 to 14, 2023
Natchav
Ivry-sur-Seine (94) - FR
Théâtre Antoine Vitez
From January 24 to 28, 2023
Natchav
Ifs (14) - FR
Le Sablier - Centre National de la Marionnette
Feb. 7, 2023
Natchav
Bayeux (14) - FR
La Halle Ô Grains
Feb. 10, 2023
Natchav
Ris-Orangis (91) - FR
Centre culturel Robert Desnos with The Scène nationale de l’Essonne
From February 16 to 17, 2023
Natchav
Besançon (25) - FR
Théâtre de l’Espace - Les 2 scènes, scène nationale de Besançon
From February 28 to March 3, 2023
Natchav
Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy (54) - FR
CCAM, scène nationale
From March 15 to 17, 2023
Natchav
Marseille (13) - FR
Théâtre Massalia, Scène conventionnée
From March 25 to 27, 2023
Natchav
Port-de-Bouc (13)
Théâtre Le Sémaphore, scène conventionnée
From March 31 to April 1, 2023
Natchav
Fontenay-sous-Bois (94)
Salle Jacques Brel avec Fontenay en scènes
April 7, 2023
Natchav
Champigny-sur-Marne (94) - FR
Théâtre Gérard-Philipe
From April 14 to 15, 2023
Natchav
Clamart (92) - FR
Théâtre Jean Arp, scène conventionnée
From June 01 to 2, 2023
Natchav
Vernier (Suisse)
Salle of Lignon
From October 12 to 14, 2023
Natchav
Choisy-le-Roi (94)
Théâtre ciméma
From October 19 to 21, 2023
Natchav
Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium)
Le Vilar
From November 21 to 23, 2023
Natchav
Reims (51)
Le Manège, scène nationale
From December 12 to 15, 2023
Natchav
Thuir (66)
Théâtre des Aspres
From December 20 to 21, 2023

2024

Natchav
Villeurbanne (69)
TNP - Théâtre national populaire
From January 09 to 13, 2024
Natchav
La Courneuve (93)
Houdremont, centre culturel
Jan. 26, 2024
Natchav
Saint-Denis (93)
TGP - Théâtre Gérard Philipe, Centre dramatique national
From January 31 to Feb. 3, 2024
Natchav
Enghien-les-Bains (95)
CDA - Centre des arts, scène conventionnée
From March 03 to 4, 2024
Natchav
La Roche-sur-Yon (85)
Le Grand R, scène nationale
From March 11 to 12, 2024
Natchav
Louvain (Belgique)
30CC with Boze Wolf Festival
From April 21 to 22, 2024
Natchav
Bruges (Belgique)
Centre culturel
From April 24 to 25, 2024
Natchav
Helsinki (Finland)
SAMPO Festival
From August 29 to 31, 2024
Natchav
Heerlen (Netherlands)
Festival Cultura Nova - Theater Kerkrade
From September 05 to 6, 2024
Natchav
Amiens (60 - FR)
Festival MFEST - Cirque Jules Verne organized by Le Tas de Sable, Centre national de la marionnette
From October 09 to 10, 2024
Natchav
Douchy-les-Mines (59 - FR)
Festival itinérant de marionnettes - L'imaginaire centre of Arts and culture
Oct. 18, 2024
Natchav
Lille (59 - FR)
Maison Folie Wazemmes
From December 04 to 5, 2024
Natchav
Quimper (29 - FR)
Festival Théâtre à tout âge - Théâtre de Cornouaille, scène nationale
From December 12 to 14, 2024

2025

Natchav
Locminé (56 - FR)
Espace La Maillette - Centre Morbihan Communauté
From January 07 to 8, 2025
Natchav
Villeparisis ( 77 - FR )
Centre culturel Jacques Prévert
From January 15 to 16, 2025
Natchav
Petit-Quevilly ( 76 - FR )
CDN Normandie-Rouen - Théâtre de la Foudre
From January 23 to 25, 2025
Natchav
Aurillac (15 - FR)
Le Théâtre
From February 14 to 15, 2025
Natchav
Boulazac ( 24 - FR )
Agora, pôle national cirque - L'Auditorium
From February 19 to 20, 2025
Natchav
Bezons (95)
Théâtre Paul Eluard
From April 10 to 11, 2025
Natchav
Paris (FR-75)
Philharmonie de Paris
From June 14 to 15, 2025
Natchav
Mâcon (FR-71)
Le Théâtre, scène nationale
From October 17 to 18, 2025
friday 17 October at 2.30pm / saturday 18 October at 6pm
Natchav
Oloron Sainte-Marie (FR-64)
Espace Jéliote, Centre National de la Marionnette
Nov. 7, 2025
Friday 7 November at 2.30pm and 8pm

2026

Natchav
Gap (FR-04)
Théâtre La passerelle, scène nationale de Gap et des Alpes du Sud
From January 14 to 16, 2026
Wednesday 14 January at 6.30pm / Thursday 15 January at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm / Friday 16 January at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm
Natchav
Maubeuge (FR-59)
Le Manège, scène nationale transfrontalière
From February 12 to 13, 2026
Thursday 12 February at 2pm and 8pm / Friday 13 February at 2pm and 7pm
Natchav
Châtenay-Malabry (FR-92)
L’Azimut au Théâtre La Piscine As part of the MARTO Festival
From March 19 to 21, 2026
Thursday 19 March at 2.30pm / Friday 20 March at 10am and 2.30pm / Saturday 21 March at 5pm
Natchav
Saint-Maur-des-Fosses (FR-94)
Théâtre de Saint-Maur
From April 12 to 14, 2026
Sunday 12 April at 4pm / Monday 13 April at 10am and 2pm / Tuesday 14 April at 10am and 2pm
Natchav
Vitry-sur-Seine (FR-94)
Théâtre Jean Vilar
From May 12 to 13, 2026
Tuesday 12 May at 10am and 2.30pm / Wednesday 13 May at 10am and 3pm