Nitcha Tothong (Fame) & Kengchakaj (Keng) elekhlekha อีเหละเขละขละ
Was performed at:
Jitr จตร: extended gong ensemble is audio/visual networked live coding, collaborative sound making, and an extended body of work from an ever-evolving project, Jitr จตร. With two core distinctions: the MIDI network of imaginary gongs connecting elekhlekha members and a communal music-making gathering rooted in Southeast Asian indigenous practices.
Visual is a live-coding performative document assembling datasets from Jitr Poumisak's writing juxtaposed with distorted propaganda footage, weaving in the narrative of oppressed sounds, people's voices, and memories. The gathering focuses on making sounds with found objects. The sentiment of networked live coding is to democratize interaction with each performer. The performance is created with specific frequencies tied to Southeast Asian sound cultures. It uses these tunings as a constraint to create a ritual musical performance, which is possible when everyone contributes with melodies and rhythms spread out among live coders, eliminating the dominant force and underlining each participant's agency.