Immersive performance explores connection with the dead

A new immersive performance titled The Telharmonium explores themes of death, memory, and the connections between the living and the deceased. It blends sound installation, image theatre, performance, and electronic music to create a unique experience.

The story of a switchboard operator and her ancestor

At the heart of the performance is a switchboard operator who, through her research, discovers the presence of her great-grandmother in a call center. The two women engage in a silent dialogue across time and space, revealing parallels in their lives and shared wounds.

Linking past and technology

The performance draws a connection between a "shadowy priestess of the invisible"—a poetic term used by Proust to describe night switchboard operators—and a machine that communicates with the afterlife. This juxtaposition raises questions about how to live with the absence of loved ones and whether to forget them or build a life with their memories.

A poetic and enigmatic project

The Telharmonium is described as a joyful and enigmatic project that blends elements of esotericism with modern technology. It aims to uncover the secrets of the dead in an attempt to heal the living, offering a unique and poetic perspective on grief and memory.

Creative team and collaborators

The performance is created by Diane Pasquet, who also directs and writes it. Valentin Pedler contributes to the soundscape, scenography, and mechanical construction. Franck Besson designs the lighting, and several artists and technicians collaborate on the production.

Production and touring schedule

Produced by the Machine Molle collective, The Telharmonium will be performed in multiple venues across France. The initial run is scheduled from 12 to 14 January 2027 at the Theatre Olympia in Tours, followed by additional performances in Meylan, Saran, and Bourges in early 2027.