MAPS 2 - Public talk by Mikaela Minga: "Sound in Theater, Cinema and Multimedia"

2024-01-19

On January 19, 2024, the second meeting of the "Maps" series took place at the Tulla Culture Center, focusing on the work of musicologist Mikaela Minga. Her article, "Sound in Theater, Cinema and Multimedia," provided deep insights into the role of sound across various forms of performing arts. Minga's presentation began by outlining the general landscape of sound in the performing arts, with a special emphasis on its development in post-communist Albania. She discussed the impact of communism on the performing arts and sound, highlighting the scarcity of contemporary research in sound development. Minga also touched upon early interdisciplinary efforts in sound-stage arts within Albanian cinema and theater, showcasing innovations through specific cases by artists such as Gentian Shkurti, Ermela Teli, and Mardit Lleshi in cinema; and Enton Kacaj, Ergys Lubonja, Sesilia Plasari, and Florian Çanga in theater. She attributed these advancements to the individuals' passion and freelance endeavors.

Participants had the chance to view films mentioned in Minga's article, like "Alice in Wonderland" (1997), “Blackbird”, and "Architecture of Sadness" (2012), using them as case studies. Discussions highlighted how sound interacts with film narratives, emphasizing its role in driving the story, music, sound, and dialogue.

The meeting concluded with a session where attendees engaged in discussions and Minga commented on the importance of creating a digital archive for the visual arts and multimedia. This archive would document the history of performing arts and music in Albania, foster new developments, and support deeper research and study for emerging artists and scholars. Moreover, she underscored the need for governmental support of non-commercial initiatives in the performing arts and music sectors.