Music that moves with you

VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN
 NT BUZZ

A crowd wearing headphones moves through the city. Some sing, others listen and passers-by stop to watch. There is no stage, no auditorium and no clear distinction between performer and audience.

This is ‘bAlllAd’, an immersive roaming performance by French composer, singer, writer and street artist Bertrand Devendeville, which will be staged in Goa today as part of Fete de la Musique 2026 and the wider Month of Music celebrations.

Fete de la Musique 2026 runs as a Month of Music, bringing performances, improvisation and participatory experiences to public spaces across cities.

‘bAlllAd’ guides a crowd through public spaces, using wireless headphones. Live recordings, songs, spoken text, beat-box, improvisation and audience interaction transform a walk through the city into a shared experience.

A self-taught artist, Devendeville has long worked outside traditional performance spaces. He says, “I enjoy creating new artistic forms that connect people and encourage sharing and empathy. My work is not only about music but about experiencing something together.”

The headphones are important to the performance. This led him to launch the French company ‘bAlllAd’, inspired by his interest in public spaces and the encounters they allow. He cites a French expression he likes: “‘Bien s’entendre’ means both ‘to hear each other well’ and ‘to get along well’ or even to start a friendship. Through the headphones, we share not just music but an experience with others.”

As the group moves through streets and parks, ambient sounds, passers-by and chance interactions influence the performance. “Public space constantly reminds me that we are strangers until something happens between us. ‘bAlllAd’ creates moments where the lines between artist, audience and passer-by disappear,” he says.

However, street environments pose challenges such as traffic, noise and distractions but Devendeville sees these as part of the performance. He says, “Everyday urban spaces were not designed as theatres. Instead of fighting the city, I try to make it part of the show.”

Some of his favourite moments are unplanned. “I enjoy what we call ‘happy accidents’, unexpected moments from the street that become part of the performance.”

 “My first visit to India made me want to explore its diversity,” he adds. “Music in public spaces naturally brings people together and I hope to create similar moments in Goa.” He is eager to see the response. “Every ‘bAlllAd’ performance is different, and that is what makes it exciting.”

Despite perceptions of increasing individualism, Devendeville sees the opposite in his performances. “People enjoy moving, laughing, singing and experiencing something together. I hope participants remember the streets where we shared these moments.”

(‘bAlllAd’ will be performed at Terttulia, Miramar, today, June 10 at 7.30 p.m.)