Carnival of Animals
in the instrument zoo
by Camille Saint-Saens
for 2 clowns and 11 musicians
A carnival of animals? Why not, because musicians are sometimes like animals: they practice as stubbornly as a donkey, they return again and again to old music because they can't think of anything new. Camille Saint-Saëns not only has animals quite happily performing set dances, but also humorously pulls the legs of his dear colleagues (and his own). At the carnival, "the sacred musical values" are no longer valid because it is only fun and enjoyment which count.
The fun is performed by two actors using simple, imaginative means which give the audience a glimpse behind the scenes. For many of them, their eyes will be opened.