The single-named French singer-songwriter Camille sings like such a gamine that she makes even agony sound like a lark. The maximalist South African director-choreographer Robyn Orlin deploys insouciant postmodern high jinks to conceal a sharp political bite. The two ladies do not seem to have much in common. Still, they have agreed on a theme for their latest project: water and its absence. Orlin’s extravagant costumière Birgit Neppl lets loose reams of colorful fabric across the stage to emulate ocean waves. Camille, who has a new album to toast this spring, has stirred up aquatic-themed ditties, while the all-male South African choir Phuphuma Love Minus provides songs in the achingly sweet Zulu isicathamiya style (as in Ladysmith Black Mambazo). Orlin’s participation guarantees that theatrical seams will be exposed—and they’re likely to delight. The premiere takes place at the hottest venue for New Music in Paris—on the outskirts, of course. Tickets are going fast. —Apollinaire Scherr