TIDUR Lambak was an immersive site-specific performance that took place at KongsiKL on March 18 and 19, originally conceptualised by Taha Long and co-directed by Hafreez Amminuddin, both art practitioners and creatives in their own right, having received the support of the coveted Krishen Jit Fund which allowed them both to explore a piece that would truly engage and interact with the community in a more conversational manner.
This truly unique performance highlighted the communal sleeping arrangement associated with the Malaysian practice of 'Balik Kampung' or homecoming. It featured 12 non-actors of varying backgrounds from the ages of 8 to 85 years old, who enter the room and slowly fall to sleep on their single mattresses next to each other, forming ‘a large nest’ with speakers playing the much-missed soundscape reminiscent of rural Malaysia.
Members of the audience were further transported into a ‘Kampung’ world via Kent Lee’s artistic soundscape, bathing both attendees and performers involved with a therapeutic ‘sound bath’ fit for a piece this delicate making it one of the vital key elements in making this piece happen.
This performance piece is also complemented with the art direction by renown multidisciplinary artist, Dhan Illiani whose experimental approach to her works and art performances is the main reason why she was invited by the creators of this piece on their journey in making their artistic efforts a holistic one, that can be enjoyed by just about anybody.
Audiences were welcome to enjoy this piece with an open heart and mind as they enter the space to relive their nostalgic memories of sleeping next to their cousins and extended family members in front of the TV area or in the living room – especially during the festive season. It is a space where connection with strangers and shared dreams and memories are able to unite a community together. – The Vibes, April 1, 2023
