quralai
We refer to the hypothesis that ritual precedes the emergence of myth, where action comes first and gives birth to narrative. We explore this emergence of myth through bodily experience. We are interested in working with bodily-sonic phenomenology and how we can reconfigure ourselves by drawing on experiences of interaction with low temperatures and evidence of myth. At the heart of our exploration lies somatic intuition, sonic events in the space of winter, and aggregate states of breathing/breathing/ sounding. We discover symbiotic connections between images, memory, low temperatures, and acoustic phenomena; the gradient between worlds-states; strange interdependencies; limitations and trials as new possibilities for vitality. Together we notice the unrecognized, transforming into the breath of Quralay Salgyny -they say this special wind blows in May. This wind helps the weak survive and the strong create something new. The wind, named after the saiga calf, is a natural phenomenon symbolizing resilience and faith in life.
So, we practice hyper-vitality. We elevate this state to a cult. If you dance - dance even more. If you sleep - sleep even more.
Be more intense to exhaust yourself - and through this exhaustion, transition into a new state.We invite you to witness the living, ongoing practice of Quralai.
Rite of Quralai was commissioned for Rites of Eternal Wind by composer and sound artist Lovozero, choreographer and dancer Nurbäk Batulla, and director and founder of Jolda Zhanna Tulendy during the Korkut Sound & Dance Lab in January 2026.
The performance features Aldiyar Abugalisina, Artur Galimullin, Bekarys Seri, Daria Prokopets, Ivan Mozhaykin, Lovozero, Nurbak Batulla, Sasha Cherezova and Zhanna Tulendy.
The performance apparel was provided by Tamyr. Tamyr is a Kazakhstani brand founded by Dias Chapai, inspired by Kazakh nomadic culture and bridging it with the present day. Dias strives to make this culture accessible and understandable to people of different generations by creating comfortable everyday clothing.
// II Korkut Sonic Arts Triennale, Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, Almaty, 2026