Moby Dick, the Sperm Whale's Eye

An Adaptation of “Moby Dick” Through a Scientific Lens

Following a creative residency at the University of Montpellier from October 2025 to April 2026, the Belle Pagaille theater company presents its stage adaptation of *Moby Dick*, Herman Melville’s famous novel published in 1851, combining art and science to explore the world of cetaceans.

In particular, the company worked on the staging of the text, part of which was written in collaboration with Aurélie Célerier, a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Sciences specializing in marine mammals, and developed an educational exhibition with students in the Integrated Biology of Marine Mammals program in the Faculty of Sciences, co-directed by Aurélie Célerier and Bastien Merigot. This exhibition, which can be viewed before the performances, provides scientific insights into sperm whales.

The story of Ishmael’s epic journey aboard the “Pequod” served as the narrative foundation for the Belle Pagaille theater company to explore current scientific knowledge about cetaceans in general and sperm whales in particular. To immerse the audience in the story, the company presents a minimalist production centered on a dialogue between an actress and a musician.

The production blends a musical world centered on this language (sound effects, music created using a hydrophone, and indie rock) with object theater featuring origami and radio-style techniques. The use of a Dan Bau—a traditional Asian single-stringed instrument that is amplified—allows for a wonderful reproduction of the songs of cetaceans. 

• By the Belle Pagaille theater company
• As part of the creative residency for Cie Belle Pagaille and the Fête de la Science

Free admission; open to all ages

A performance presented as part of an artistic residency supported by the Art & Culture Department—Campus Life Division of the University of Montpellier, in partnership with the Faculty of Sciences and Aurélie Célerier, a marine mammal specialist and faculty member at the University of Montpellier.