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As part of the 13th Fresco International Festival, Armenia will host, for the first time, a unique cultural event titled “Concert in Total Darkness.”
The festival is organized by the “Special Creative Center for Children” SNCO with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, organizers said.
The “Concert in Total Darkness” is more than just a musical event. It is a unique experience in which the audience will be immersed in complete darkness, without lights, screens or other visual stimuli.
One of the project’s key features is the reversal of roles. Audience members will be guided through the darkness by people with visual impairments, who will act as trusted guides. Normally, people with visual impairments have to adapt to an environment designed for the sighted majority. During this concert, however, the situation will be reversed: sighted audience members will find themselves in an environment where they must rely on their other senses and the assistance of a guide to navigate and move safely.
“Inclusion is one of the key missions of the Fresco Festival, and this project provides an opportunity to turn that idea into a direct experience. By finding themselves in complete darkness, audience members can better understand the importance of accessibility and adaptations in their surroundings. At the same time, the experience allows participants to rethink their everyday environment and gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with visual impairments,” said festival artistic director Anna Karapetyan.
During the concert, the audience will not be able to see the stage or know who the performing musicians are. The identities of the performers will be revealed only at the end of the concert, when the lights are turned back on. Thus, throughout the event, the focus will remain solely on the music and the auditory experience, without the influence of the performers’ appearance, stage lighting or other visual stimuli.
The “Concert in Total Darkness” will take place on August 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hall of the Union of Architects at 17 Baghramyan Avenue. Admission is free.
The 13th Fresco International Festival invites everyone to take part in this unique experience.