The French Institute of Mauritius in collaboration with the Beau Bassin–Rose Hill Municipality, will present Embracing a Tree, Embracing Time on Saturday, 5 September at 3 p.m. at Balfour Garden in Rose Hill.
The performance, created by French choreographer Emmanuelle Huynh and composer Christian Sebille, takes place outdoors and uses the surrounding environment as part of the artistic experience. Rather than performing on a traditional stage, the artists interact with the landscape, particularly the trees, which are central to the work.
The performance, created by French choreographer Emmanuelle Huynh and composer Christian Sebille, takes place outdoors and uses the surrounding environment as part of the artistic experience. Rather than performing on a traditional stage, the artists interact with the landscape, particularly the trees, which are central to the work.
The project began in Vietnam in 2020 when Huynh was researching her family history. While reflecting on her father’s departure from Vietnam for France in 1950, she became fascinated by the idea that the trees around her had silently witnessed that moment in history. The experience inspired a series of performances exploring memory, place and the passage of time.Since then, the performance has travelled to different locations, adapting to each landscape and drawing inspiration from its environment.
At Balfour Garden, the artists will once again create a site-specific performance, with the garden’s trees becoming silent partners in the work. Accompanied by Sebille’s immersive soundscape, Huynh’s choreography explores the connections between people, nature and the passing of time.
The performance lasts between 40 and 50 minutes and requires no reservation.
Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Venue: Balfour Garden, Rose Hill
Admission: Free
