The Living Code: Whispers of Stone - A Living Myth of Memory, Nature and the Unheard Voice

THE LIVING CODE: WHISPERS OF STONE 2026

She speaks. Life becomes stone. The stone remains. The story survives.

Her name is Sang Gedembai, a mysterious woman from Langkawi's oral traditions whose voice could turn living beings to stone. Centuries later, her story is being told again, this time in code.

This November, The Living Code, Goethe-Institut's live coding programme across Southeast Asia, arrives in Kuala Lumpur with Whispers of Stone. For two days, the historic Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association, long a home for theatre and Cantonese opera, becomes a space where ancient myth meets live coding, experimental sound and immersive art.

An old story. A living language. Memory meets machines. ✨

Line-up

Alexandra Cárdenas 

Flor de Fuego

Kamal Sabran 

E.Venif & Samacom Plus present SImbiosis 

Yan Keng Cantonese Opera 

Pusaka presents Kuda Kepang Sanggar Warisan Budaya 

Inmintcondition 

Deep Space 

Tsameera  

Acidllama 

Maria Aristya 

Olof van Winden
Mawiewowie 

Installation by Natural Mystic

Lighting by Iwax

Afters by Modulus KL

️ 13–14 November 2026

Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association, Kuala Lumpur

️ FREE ENTRY · RSVP to attend (link in bio)

**Limited space available**

Presented by Goethe-Institut Malaysia · In collaboration with KUANTUM

1. Admission and RSVP

Entry is FREE, but every attendee must RSVP before the event.

1. Each RSVP is personal to the person named on it and cannot be sold or transferred.
2. An RSVP does not guarantee entry. Entry is first come, first served, subject to venue capacity on the day.
3. Attendees may be asked to show their RSVP confirmation and, if needed, photo ID at the entrance.
4. Late arrivals may be held at the door until a suitable break in a performance.
5. Some talks and workshops may have separate registration and limited places. These are announced separately.
6. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is responsible for them throughout the event.
7. The Organiser may refuse entry or ask anyone to leave, without explanation, to keep the event safe and orderly.

2. Venue rules and conduct

Yan Keng is a historic heritage building, and attendees must treat it, the artists and each other with respect.

1. Follow all instructions from the Organiser, venue staff, crew and volunteers.
2. Do not touch, climb on, move or damage any part of the building, its fixtures, the stage, artworks, installations, projection or sound equipment.
3. Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the venue.
4. Illegal drugs, weapons, fireworks and other dangerous items are not allowed. Bags may be checked at the entrance.
5. Outside food and drink may not be brought in unless the Organiser allows it.
6. Harassment, discrimination, aggressive behaviour or disruption of performances will not be tolerated. Anyone who behaves this way will be asked to leave.
7. Keep phones on silent during performances, talks and the Cantonese opera and Kuda Kepang presentations.
8. Attendees who are visibly intoxicated may be refused entry or asked to leave.
9. Attendees are responsible for their own belongings. The Organiser and venue are not liable for lost, stolen or damaged items.

3. Photography, filming and media consent

The event will be photographed, filmed and recorded, and attendees may appear in that material.

1. By attending, you agree that the Organiser, its partners and Goethe-Institut Malaysia may use photos, video and audio that include you, without payment, in promotion, reports, archives and social media.
2. If you do not want to be featured, tell a member of the Organiser's team at the event. We will make reasonable efforts to avoid using your image.
3. Personal photos and short phone videos for non-commercial use are welcome, unless an artist or the Organiser asks otherwise.
4. Flash photography, tripods and professional camera or audio equipment are not allowed during performances without written permission from the Organiser.
5. Full recordings or livestreams of performances are not allowed. All performances, code, visuals and sound remain the intellectual property of the artists.
6. Media and press must register with the Organiser in advance.

4. Health, safety and liability

Attendees take part at their own risk and must look after their own wellbeing during the event.

1. Performances may include loud sound, strobe or flashing lights, haze, darkness and projection. These may affect people with photosensitive epilepsy, hearing sensitivity or other conditions. Ear protection is recommended.
2. Parts of the venue may be dim or have uneven floors and stairs. Please move carefully.
3. Follow emergency instructions and evacuation routes given by staff. In an emergency, go to the nearest member of staff.
4. If you feel unwell, tell a member of staff or a volunteer straight away.
5. To the extent allowed by Malaysian law, the Organiser, its partners and the venue are not liable for any injury, loss or damage suffered at the event, except where caused by their negligence.
6. Attendees are responsible for any damage they cause to the venue, equipment or artworks.

5. Programme changes, cancellation and privacy

The Organiser may change the programme, and will handle attendee data under Malaysia's Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

Programme changes and cancellation

1. The line-up, schedule, running order and activities may change without notice, including if an artist withdraws.
2. The Organiser may postpone, shorten or cancel the event, fully or in part, for reasons beyond its control. These include severe weather, public health measures, safety concerns and instructions from the authorities.
3. Because entry is free, no compensation is payable for changes or cancellation. Updates will be shared on the official Whispers of Stone social media channels.

Personal data

1. Information you give when you RSVP, such as your name, email and phone number, is used to manage admission and send event updates.
2. Your data may be shared with event partners, including Goethe-Institut Malaysia, only for running and reporting on the event. It will not be sold.
3. You may ask to see, correct or remove your data by contacting the Organiser.

General

1. The Organiser may update these terms at any time. The latest version applies.
2. These terms are governed by the laws of Malaysia.
3. Questions can be sent to the Organiser through the official Whispers of Stone social media channels.