Katimajuit
A one-of-a-kind live performance that features the live generation of hyperreal sonic visualizations that re/act the corporeal vibrations of Inuit throat singing.
/ka-tee-ma-u-eat/ means “people meeting” in Inuktitut.
Funded by the Ontario Arts Council, showcased at part of the 2017 SummerWorks Performance Art Festival in Toronto.
artist’s intent
The backdrop projection screen are portals for the unheard personas of the singers – a sort of soul-light if you will. These projected visuals are inspired by northern landscapes such as the tundra, northern lights, and star-filled night skies as per the singers’ art direction and consultation. The visualizations react to the pitch, volume, tonality and modulation of each of the singers’ voices via discreet headset microphones. This creates a direct, and clear link between the sonic vibrations of the vocalists and the entire visual language of the show. When linked to on-stage talent, dynamic projected light allows the audience to delve deeper into the spiritual undertones of the abstract narrative to create their own meaning.
The potential of visualizing the tonality of the organic vibrations produced during throat singing is unprecedented and never explored before a theatrical lens. This interdisciplinary collaboration can reveal another dimension of expression not only for each individual throat singer but also for the emergent interaction of their voices.
the shows.
Katimajuit was curated by SummerWorks – the largest performance art festival in North America. We did three, received shows in the summer of 2017.
Directed by Maziar Ghaderi
Performed by The Sila Singers: Malaya Bishop & Jenna Broomfield
Software Design & Visuals by Sahar Homami
Score by Saintfield: Ciara Adams & Ali Jafri
Part of the SummerWorks Lab programming – a place for exploration, experimentation, and process. In the Lab, you can experience new works in development from artists exploring new possibilities in performance.