In the face of an unprecedented climate emergency, THE HERDS is a monumental, immersive project, both a celebration of the beauty of the wild world and a cry of alarm. This committed artistic odyssey aims to raise awareness through the force of emotion and the power of nature.
Since April 9, 2025, life-size animal puppets – wolves, giraffes, great primates – made entirely from recycled materials, have been crossing more than 20,000 km on foot, through 11 countries. From the Congo Basin to beyond the Arctic Circle, this migration embodies the northward flight of wildlife in search of more hospitable territories, and symbolizes the vital struggle of species in a world in crisis.
In France, the tour will visit Arles and Marseille on June 13 and 14, then Paris on June 20, 21 and 22. All events are free and open to all.
In Arles, the show takes place on June 13 at 8:30pm.
It begins on the Place de la République, where the animals peacefully quench their thirst, before an ominous smoke appears. Frightened, they set off on a frantic race through the city streets to the quays of the Rhône – a place of peace and rest – bathed in the soft evening light. There, a visual and acrobatic aerial fresco, co-created with the company Gratte Ciel, comes to life before the eyes of the audience. The swaying of the masts, like a lullaby suspended in the air, gently lulls the animals to sleep.
By combining art and concrete action, The Walk Productions – the company behind the project – and Au Contraire Productions for France, are giving the living arts a leading role in the fight for our planet’s future. By turning this poetic walk into a platform for collective expression, THE HERDS offers a new voice for committed art and invites everyone to join in a global climate mobilization, where the word “together” takes on its full meaning.
Partners in France to date: Ministère de la Culture – DGCA, Ville de Paris, Ville d’Arles, Mairie de Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine with La Serre Wangari et Communale, Aix Marseille Université, Université de la Terre, Académie du Climat, Banlieue Climat, L’Orchestre du Nouveau Monde, YSDT, Compagnie Gratte Ciel…
