Threads of Heritage: Weaving the Legacy of the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra
Conceived as a giant loom, the scenography of the 2023 edition of the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra is a modern take on the intricate handiwork of artisans, the allure of traditional costumes, and the timeless beauty of patiently woven carpets.
From a distance, it shined in full of color, inviting spectators to immerse themselves in a spectacle of living art. Up close, the scene came alive, dancing to the rhythms of music, gently swaying with the breeze while being translucent, offering a window into the magnificent backdrop of Gjirokastra's historic castle.
"Threads of Heritage," the scenography aimed to pay homage to Albania's folklore and cultural heritage. At times, it resembled a giant loom weaving threads into a vast tapestry, while at others, it looked like a continuation of the motives of the costumes and instruments of the performers.
However, beyond its aesthetic impact, we intended to convey a profound message of cultural preservation.
Just as Albanian folklore costumes are meticulously embroidered by hand, the festival's scenography was painstakingly crafted, with over 20 kilometers of colorful yarn meticulously woven by the skilled hands of 15 Albanian artisans over more than ten days.
The creation of this elaborate scenography was challenging. Integrating the new design with the existing backdrop of the festival's dome, a beloved icon created by scenographer Ilia Xhokaxhi, required careful consideration.
The idea of threads has always come to us with the existing scene in mind; we wanted to create a dialogue between two sculptures/scenographies, simultaneously a dialogue between two different times, two materials, two colors, and textures. The existing scene serves as a support, as a nest for "Threads of Heritage"; the new scene sleeps inside the old one but comes out with its explosion and character. This dance between them is also a meaningful dialogue of the coexistence of the past with the future.
Just as weavers blend separate threads to create a unified textile, the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra seamlessly combined various elements of music, dance, and costume to form a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage. Through "Threads of Heritage," the festival celebrated Albania's rich traditions and served as a testament to the enduring beauty of cultural diversity—a legacy to be cherished for generations to come.
Conceived as a giant loom, the scenography of the 2023 edition of the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra is a modern take on the intricate handiwork of artisans, the allure of traditional costumes, and the timeless beauty of patiently woven carpets.
From a distance, it shined in full of color, inviting spectators to immerse themselves in a spectacle of living art. Up close, the scene came alive, dancing to the rhythms of music, gently swaying with the breeze while being translucent, offering a window into the magnificent backdrop of Gjirokastra's historic castle.
"Threads of Heritage," the scenography aimed to pay homage to Albania's folklore and cultural heritage. At times, it resembled a giant loom weaving threads into a vast tapestry, while at others, it looked like a continuation of the motives of the costumes and instruments of the performers.
However, beyond its aesthetic impact, we intended to convey a profound message of cultural preservation.
Just as Albanian folklore costumes are meticulously embroidered by hand, the festival's scenography was painstakingly crafted, with over 20 kilometers of colorful yarn meticulously woven by the skilled hands of 15 Albanian artisans over more than ten days.
The creation of this elaborate scenography was challenging. Integrating the new design with the existing backdrop of the festival's dome, a beloved icon created by scenographer Ilia Xhokaxhi, required careful consideration.
The idea of threads has always come to us with the existing scene in mind; we wanted to create a dialogue between two sculptures/scenographies, simultaneously a dialogue between two different times, two materials, two colors, and textures. The existing scene serves as a support, as a nest for "Threads of Heritage"; the new scene sleeps inside the old one but comes out with its explosion and character. This dance between them is also a meaningful dialogue of the coexistence of the past with the future.
Just as weavers blend separate threads to create a unified textile, the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra seamlessly combined various elements of music, dance, and costume to form a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage. Through "Threads of Heritage," the festival celebrated Albania's rich traditions and served as a testament to the enduring beauty of cultural diversity—a legacy to be cherished for generations to come.