Beschrijving

This book presents a thorough investigation on how diverse elements of interest determine the representation of the past in an open air museum. In particular, a representation of 18^th century America in Colonial Williamsburg is explored, with a special focus on their street theatre program “The Revolutionary City”. The author examines how the theatrical program is developed using historical themes and character interpretations to give the reader a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at reconstructing history in the 21^st century. After this, the author takes it a step further by investigating how the public responds to the performances. This suggests that thoughtfully designed theatre programming can be a valuable tool to teach history, one that goes beyond the typical ‘ivory tower’ academic research lecture.

If you are having trouble ordering the book from abroad please send me an email to info@beleefhetverleden.nl and I will help you.

About the Author

Martine Teunissen studied history at the Leiden University in The Netherlands. During her research master she specialised in public history: this is about teaching scientific knowledge to a general public. During her research-internship at the open air museum Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, USA, she explored the representation of the past in this museum, with a special focus on the theatrical program: “The Revolutionary City” that was performed daily in the museum. After her study she started her own company: Beleef Het Verleden (Experience The Past): a historical event & advice company. She helps museums, schools, castles and municipals to teach scientific knowledge to a general public. She makes the public experience the past in an educational, interactive and fun way.

Reviews

A review published by EXARC, click here.

A review published by Interpret Europe (page 22).

A review published by IMTAL: Representation of the past in public spheres-review Deb Fuller