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Kecak, “do cak,” is a choreographed vocal percussion choir inspired by the song of amphibians that rises in the evening in Bali. This Indonesian island is home to this practice, classified as an art form by Westerners but which, for the Balinese, has many other purposes: to oxygenate the brain, to create a collective body to ward off calamities, and to restore unity in the face of chaos.
Mélissa Acchiardi discovered kecak eighteen years ago. She has practiced these vocal and choreographed percussions with diverse audiences and has gradually developed a more personal approach. Through this very powerful form, she seeks to question the individual and collective attitudes that shape us: what are the relationships we have with our communities? What are the forces that bring us together and those that drive us apart? What are the tensions and challenges, and what do they tell us about our obstacles and strengths?
Six artists are conducting several research “labs” with advanced amateurs and students. These experiments will enable them to compose a contemporary kecak, a vocal and physical piece for today, and to create it in June 2026.
Phase 1: Research labs
- March 1: Kecak discovery workshop, open to all
- March 2, 3, 4: Research lab (approximately 60 participants)
- March 28-29: research lab (approximately 60 participants)
Phase 2: writing the play
- April 27, 28, 29, 30: residency at Grame
Phase 3: creation
- April-May: costume-making workshops
- May 30: rehearsal (80 to 300 participants)
- June 15, 16, 17, 18, 19: rehearsal (80 to 300 participants)
- June 19 and 20: creation at Les Invites de Villeurbanne
Co-produced with Les Ateliers Frappaz
With the support of GRAME
