Acoustic stage is a continuation of the dialogue between Snejanka Mihaylova (philosopher, writer and publisher The Last Books) and Lubomir Draganov (psychologist, visual artist) for the conception of a hybrid format between research and performative practice which can be useful both as an aesthetic framework for an experience and as an educational model. This study was proposed in the context of the “Inner Stage”, a three-day workshop within the Sandberg Institute’s Master of Voice Program, held September 2017 in Swimming Pool with an international group of students.
At this stage of working with a group of participants, we want to continue to explore the relation between thought, voice, silence, feeling, speaking between and within us. To look closer at the consequence of voice recording, technical reproduction (the voice as an object) and observe how an immediate listening of the voice sets new ground to the experience of understanding of yourself and of a group. To deepen the process of listening by exploring how we resonate in ourselves and in others, and look at the process of thinking as resonance.
Acoustic Stage will start with an introduction by two lectures by Snejanka Mihaylova and Lyubomir Draganov and will continue in the form of a three-day workshop with a group of participants including conversation, recording of conversation, listening and discussion.
The practice of Snejanka Mihaylova (Sofia, BG, 1978) is located at the intersection of philosophy and performance, thinking and theatre. Mihaylova holds a degree in philosophy of language and hermeneutics from the University of Florence, Italy (1996-2001). Mihaylova has also been trained in theatre studies and completed a master’s degree in theatre at DasArts, Amsterdam (2009-2011). In 2012, she was a resident at the Jan van Eyck Academie, Maastricht. Her work Theatre of Thought, for which she published an eponymous book, has been performed in several locations in Europe, including De Hallen in Haarlem (2011). In 2012 she published the book Practical Training in Thinking and led a seminar in dialogue with Mladen Dolar at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam. She collaborated with If I Can’t Dance I Don’t Want to Be part of Your Revolution and took part of the group exhibition by Sohrab Mohhebi, Hotel Theory, in Redcat Gallery, Los Angeles. She is currently main tutor at the Master of Voice in Sandberg Institute, Amsterdam.
Lubomir Draganov has a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the Sofia University and a master’s degree in Artistic Psycho-Social Practices at the New Bulgarian University, as well as the professional qualification “Group Analyst” issued by the Sigmund Freud University in Vienna. He is the author of audiovisual works such as movie theater, social advertising, animation, video installation and VJ improvisations. Recently he founded Studio for Experience in Sofia.
