The “Villes des Musiques du Monde” association, or Cities of World Music, recently brought together 350 children for the extraordinary musical production of “L’Ile Rouge” (the Red Island) on June 1st in the French city of Stains.

The project was an ambitious one, pieced together throughout the school year in association with the French National Education program, a number of non-profit organizations, and artists of international renown—namely, the virtuoso Rajery from Madagascar, and the director Laurent Gachet.

And what a vision! The show transported actors and audience alike into a world in which life-like objects, masks, giant marionettes and high-tech special effects intertwine in an urban setting. This highly creative educational project culminated in a memorable night full of images and light, innocence and candor.