Kecak, “faire 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 form 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 closer 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 leading several research “labs” with advanced amateurs and students. These experiments will enable the creation of a contemporary kecak, a vocal and physical piece for today's world, which will be performed in June 2026. The very first research lab will take place from March 2 to 4 with around 60 participants! Before that, a discovery workshop open to all will take place on March 1.

The culmination : June 19th and 20th at "Les Invites" Festival (Villeurbanne, France).

You wish to participate ? Join us here !

Co-produced with Ateliers Frappaz

Supported by GRAME