The Temporary Academy of art Athens / Προσωρινή Ακαδημία Τεχνών last episode of Waste/d Pavilion at State of Concept. With Dimitris Ameladiotis we present our common project titled songs without lyrics / Prespa tune A' , a concept that we have been working on over the last 3 years. Periklis Aliopis shared with us the brass breaths.
The film songs without lyrics / Prespa tune A' makes a cryptic and rhetorical argument on the linguistic restriction of Slavic speakers in certain regions of Northern Greece, particularly in the province of Western Macedonia.The use of their mother tongue was outlawed by the State during Ioannis Metaxas's dictatorship (1936–1941).To preserve their musical cultural identity, these communities mute the words of their songs while brass tunes replace the lyrics.By concentrating on the Prespa region of Western Macedonia we study how these populations have found a creative way to enhance their folk music instrumentally as a result of the loss of lyrics. The "brass melodies" are a common cultural element in the wider hinterland of the Balkan Peninsula. However, in Greece this muted language was replaced by the brass sound.
We are thankful to: Alexandros, Anastassis, Apostolοs, Despina, Giorgos, Maria, Vasilis . Many thanks to all the unknown people we met at: Psarades of Prespa, Agios Ahilios, Loutraki Almopias, Aridea, Agios Germanos, Edessa, Thessaloniki. We are also thankful to the Katirli Association in Thessaloniki for the kind disposal of their offices.
Produced by State of Concept under the program Waste/d Pavilion commissioned by Temporary Academy (PAT)
Waste/d Pavilion, Episode 3
Opening: Friday, 14th of October 2022, 19:00-22:00
Address: Toussa Botsari 19 , 117 41, Athens