Albania's First Official Show Featuring Audio Description

By: United Nations Association Albania

2024-01-25

The "ArtNexus" project, partially implemented by UNAA (United Nations Association Albania), within the framework of creating an environment where respect and celebration of diversity are integrated into the structure of the artistic scene, developed on December 22, 2023 one of the most special activities of the program.

In collaboration with the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, visually impaired individuals were the special guests at the premiere of Tchaikovsky's emblematic ballet The Nutcracker. Before the show, a tour took place, which once again familiarized the followers with the well-known story of "The Nutcracker", as well as with the peculiarities of the production, starting with the costumes. The show opened with a speech by Kristi Çina, the president of the United Nations Association Albania, who emphasized the importance of undertaking strategies that enable the promotion of comprehensive initiatives, especially in the field of art.

This premiere served as an example of these strategies thanks to the live voice description, performed by the speaker Genti Mumajesi. The speaker specializes in the visual interpretation of the show, which brought the performance to life for all visually impaired individuals, thanks to the audio description of the dancers and acts. The premiere also marks the first time in the Albanian spectacle that a ballet is presented in audio description.

Through an open invitation, members of the visually impaired community as well as members of the Blind Association of Albania were able to join. There were about 60 visually impaired individuals who, thanks to the help of UNAA and TKOB staff, were warmly welcomed and provided with all the necessary logistics to perceive the show efficiently.

In the wake of the project's activities, the premiere stands out as the success of the Masterclass on audio description, developed in advance in October 2023 with experts in the field. The purpose of the masterclass and its actualization in a performance with audio description, is that this practice opens the door to alternative and comprehensive forms of art communication, especially for vulnerable groups of society, who for various reasons do not have full access to cultural and artistic productions.

The year 2024 will witness additional premieres featuring audio description, as anticipated in the memorandum of cooperation between UNAA and TKOB.

Pictures by Giulia Dajci, 2024