A sonic dialogue and a shared search for identity, inspired by the story of pastoral bells – objects that carry the memory of the herd, of getting lost, and of returning.
The “sonnailles” – traditional rustic bells hammered and cast by hand – are used to track herds in the mountains. If one of these animals loses its bell, it may become disoriented and lose its place within the group. Line Gigot, the initiator of the instrument collection, shared this anecdote, which serves as the starting point for artists Sonia Saroya and Fanny Testas.
Their work raises a question: Do these animals still wish to remain part of the herd? During this performance, the artists search for one another, creating a dialogue as they explore the sounds of the instruments together, four hands playing as one. Through this exchange, they uncover the many stories these handcrafted objects carry – stories that resonate with tones both soft and grating.