Song of the dark forest is a moving, compelling and comforting performance, performed by the full Scapino group of dancers, an opera singer and live music by the DoelenEnsemble. It sings the tragic song of war. An unknown soldier, hovering between life and death, longs to return to his loved ones but is also haunted by memories of the battlefield. With poignant songs and dance by four choreographers, this timeless story comes to life.

Musically, a leading role is given to the work of Dmitri Shostakovich. In times of war and oppression, his music was a source of hope and comfort for many. Songs by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and Rachmaninov will also be heard, revealing an unmistakable pacifist message and a melancholic longing for better times. It concludes with Sergei Akhunov's recent 'Prayer for Peace'. That title is a true motto for the entire performance.

In 2019/2020, Scapino Ballet Rotterdam successfully collaborated for the first time with the high-profile OPERA2DAY in the production Opera Melancholica, starring dancer Ellen Landa. Artistic director Ed Wubbe then invited director Serge van Veggel to create a performance with four top choreographic talents and Rotterdam's leading DoelenEnsemble.