THEATRE IN MUSEUMS

A Select Bibliography

August 2005

Although extensive, this bibliography is necessarily a work in progress, and it is hoped that readers will advise the National Museum of Australia Library of omissions or deficiencies. All such communications should be addressed to National Museum of Australia library.

Some hyperlinks are to subscription services available in the NMA Library. Readers at NMA can access them directly by clicking on the link. External readers can only do this if their institution also has a subscription to the relevant service.

Anderson, Jay, A Living History Reader. Volume One: Museums (Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1991).

Bicknell, S and X Mazda, Enlightening or Embarrassing? An Evaluation of Drama in the Science Museum (London: National Museum of Science and Industry, 1993).

Blais, Jean-Marc, ed., Les Langages de l’interpretation personnalisée: L’animation dans les musées = The Languages of Live Interpretation: Animation in Museums (Hull, Quebec: Canadian Museum of Civilization, 1997), 199 pp. Abstract: Case studies are used to examine how drama has been used effectively in a variety of museum environments. [NMA 069.16 LAN]

Bridal, Tessa, Exploring Museum Theatre (Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 2004), 208 pp. [NMA 069.16 BRI]

Bridal, Tessa, Science on Stage: Anthology (Washington, DC: Association of Science-Technology Centers, 1996), 115 pp.  Abstract: Five plays written for and performed at science centres and museums.

Cunningham, Mary Kay, The Interpreter’s Training Manual for Museums (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 2004), 280 pp.

German Cultural Council, Concept for Cultural Education: Positions and Recommendations (Bonn: The Council, 1988).

Harper, Lynette, Tom Graff and Robert D Watt, Museum on Stage: Readers and Musicians Theatre = Musée en scène (Vancouver: Vancouver Museums and Planetarium Association, 1984), 35 pp.

Hayes, Jennifer Fell and Dorothy Napp Schindel, Pioneer Journeys: Drama in Museum Education (Charlottesville, VA: New Plays Books, 1994), 151 pp.   

Hughes, Catherine, Museum Theatre: Communicating with Visitors Through Drama (Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1998), 152 pp. [NMA 069.16 HUG]  

Machlis, Gary E and Donald R Field, eds, On Interpretation: Sociology for Interpreters of Natural and Cultural History, rev. ed. (Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press, 1992).

Maloney, Laura and Catherine Hughes, eds, Case Studies in Museum, Zoo, and Aquarium Theater (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1999), 129 pp. [NMA 069.16 CAS]

Perspectives on Museum Theatre (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1993), 152 pp. Includes bibliography. [NMA 069.16 PER]

Rieger, Jennifer A, Museum Community Drama: Animating the Dialogue (Toronto: University of Toronto, 1993), 107 pp. Abstract: In this study, the city of Peterborough, Ontario is used as a form of case study for examining how community drama and community museum might interconnect.

Regnier, Kathleen, Michael Gross and Ron Zimmerman, The Interpreter’s Guidebook: Techniques for Programs and Presentations (Stevens Point, WI: UW-SP Foundation Press, 1994).

Walsh, Kevin, The Representation of the Past: Museums in the Post-Modern World. (New York and London: Routledge, 1992). [NMA 069.5 WAL]

Bezalel, Aliza, ‘Travelling theatres in the galleries’, in Museum and Communities: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA) of the International Council of Museums (Oslo: ICOM-CECA, 1995).

Bicknell, S, ‘Enlightening or embarrassing? Drama in the Science Museum, London, UK’, in Visitor Studies: Theory Research and Practice 1993, Conference proceedings (Jacksonville, Centre for Social Design, 1994), v. 6, pp. 79–88.

Blumenfeld, Alan, Katherine James and Joshua Karton, ‘Applied theatre techniques’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1984–1985 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Cannizzo, J and D Parry, ‘Museum theatre in the 1990s: Trail-blazer or camp-follower?’, in Pearce, Sandra, ed., Museums and the Appropriation of Culture (London: Athlone, 1994), pp. 43–62. [NMA 069.5 MUS]

Dunnigan, Brian Leigh, ‘Special events and their impact on museums: Hosting military re-enactment groups at Old Fort Niagara’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1988 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Haines, Prudence, Ron Kley and Bill Reid, ‘Choosing your method: Strengths and weaknesses of interpretive techniques’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1984–1985 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Hanson, Susan Atherton, ‘The pitfalls of dealing with re-enactors’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1988 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Hemenway, Alice, ‘Discussion of psycho-social aspects of role playing’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1994 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Hughes, Catherine, ‘Using theatre as an interpretive technique in museums, historical properties and national parks’, in Perspectives: Strengthening our Bonds, Proceedings of the National Association for Interpretation Conference, Vail, CO, October 1991 (Fort Collins, CO: The Association, 1991), pp. 161–162.

Jensen, Judy, ‘Replaying the past: The museum as a play setting’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1986 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Jones, D, ‘Making your interpretation vibrant: Living history and drama in museums’, in Perspectives: Strengthening our Bonds, Proceedings of the National Association for Interpretation Conference, Vail, CO, October 1991 (Fort Collins, CO: The Association, 1991), pp. 173–177.

Leon, Warren and Margaret Piatt, ‘Living history museums’, in Leon, Warren and Roy Rozenweig, eds, History Museums in the United States: A Critical Assessment (Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1989).  [NMA 069.9973 HIS]

Lewis, Berenice I (‘Dolly’), ‘The many faces of public programming: Developing year-around weekly programs’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1997 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Lifschitz, Y, ‘Bad show or bad house? Reviewing theatre evaluation in museums’, in Evaluation and Visitor Research in Museums: Towards 2000 (Haymarket, NSW: Powerhouse Publishing, 1996), pp. 155–160. [NMA 069.0994 EVA]

Needham, H, ‘Evaluating live interpretation programs’, in Evaluation and Visitor Research in Museums; Towards 2000 (Haymarket, NSW: Powerhouse Publishing, 1996), pp. 139–154. [NMA 069.0994 EVA]

Olsen, F, ‘Live interpretation of contemporary science and technology’, in Here and Now: Contemporary Science and Technology in Museums and Science Centres (London: Science Museum, 1997), pp. 199–204.

Pas, Geertrui, ‘Art as a play’, in Museum and Communities: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA) of the International Council of Museums (Oslo: ICOM-CECA, 1995).

Priest, Ben, ‘Creative dramatics for visitors at a living historical site’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1984–1985 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Silveria, Shelia Beck and others, ‘Many voices: Using museum theatre to connect communities’, in Spirit of Community, American Association of Museums 96th Annual Meeting, St Louis, MO, 6–10 May 2001 (Elkridge, MD: Chesapeake Audio/Visual Communications, 2001), on audiotape.

Stansfield, J, ‘Reclaiming the past: Storytelling skills for historical interpreters’, in Perspectives: Strengthening our Bonds, Proceedings of the National Association for Interpretation Conference, Vail, CO, October 1991 (Fort Collins, CO: The Association, 1991), pp. 299–301.

Stevenson, Jennifer, ‘Kings and queens and jellybeans: A practical look at medieval dance’, GEM 1995 Conference Proceedings: The Ages of Learning, 1995, p. 34.

Suntree, S, ‘Dynamic exhibition: Making theatre in museums’, in Casey, Mary and others, eds, Redefining Archaeology: Feminist Perspectives. Australian Women in Archaeology Conference,  Research Papers in Archaeology and Natural History: 29 (Canberra: ANH Publishing,  Australian National University Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, 1998), pp. 215–220.

Westphal, Ronald, ‘Some background information on re-enactors and re-enactment organizations’, in Proceedings of ALHFAM Annual Conference 1988 <http://www.alhfam.org>. [Accessed 28 July 2005]

Crossley, J, ‘The use of educational drama in museums’ (unpublished master’s thesis, University of Leicester, Department of Museum Studies, 1990).

Seaman, B, ‘Not magic, but work: Dramatic interpretation in museums’ (unpublished master’s thesis, University of Leicester, Department of Museum Studies, 1993).

Masters, AJC, ‘Drama as an interpretive tool in museums’ (unpublished master’s thesis, University of Leicester, Department of Museum Studies, 1991).

Ackroyd, Judith, ‘Applied theatre: Problems and possibilities’, Applied Theatre Researcher, n. 1, 2000, <http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/cpci/atr/>.  Abstract: This paper first considers the difficulty of determining the perimeters of the field of applied theatre, and proposes a grid made up of two continua measuring participation and transformation. The author then investigates the implications of intentionality in theatre and calls for vigilance. Will theatre always be employed for noble, humanitarian means?

Allen, Stephen, ‘The education service at the London Transport Museum’, GEM News, n. 57, Spring 1995, pp. 7–8.

Alsford, Stephen and David Parry, ‘Interpretive theatre: A role in museums?’, Museum Management and Curatorship, v. 10 (1), March 1991, pp. 8–23. [NMA S 069.9 MUS]

Baum, L and C Hughes, ‘Ten years of evaluating science theatre at the Museum of Science, Boston’, Curator, v. 44 (4), 2001, pp. 355–369. [NMA S 069 CUR]

Beam, Scott P, ‘Environmental dependency: The bridge between natural history and cultural history interpretation’, Legacy, v. 4 (6), November/December 1993, pp. 24–25.

Beaumont, MG and A Stevens, ‘Change: A constant theme’, Journal of Education in Museums,  n. 8, Summer 1987, pp. 15–17.

Bigley, JD, ‘Living history and battle re-enactment: The dilemma of selective interpretation’, History News, v. 46 (6), 1991, pp. 12–18. [NMA S 973 HIS]

Breon, Robin, ‘George Luscombe and Toronto Workshop Productions: A director’s vision’, Muse v. 16 (3), December 1998, pp. 14–15. [NMA S 069.0971 MUS]

Bridal, Tessa, ‘Bringing science to life through museum theater’, MPR News, v. 2 (1), 1992, pp. 11–14.

Bridal, Tessa, ‘Center stage in the museum: Using theatre to present the issues’, Roundtable Reports, Journal of Museum Education, v. 14 (1), Winter 1989, pp. 19–21.

Bridal, Tessa, ‘Interpretation through theatre’, Journal of the International Association of Zoo Educators, 1989, pp. 7–9.

Brown, Pete, ‘Show business’, Museum Practice, issue 27, Autumn 2004, pp. 48–50. Abstract: Theatrical performances are a fantastic way to breathe new life into dry subjects; live interpretation in museums can capture children’s imagination. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Burgers, Marieke, ‘Theatre as a means of reaching out’, MPR News, v. 14 (1), Winter 1989, pp. 19–21.

Bywaters, Jane and Pippa Richardson, ‘Breathing life into exhibits’, Museums Journal, v. 93 (10), October 1993, p. 30. Abstract: The impact of a drama project is described. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Callaghan, Steve, ‘Icecream and ankle chains’, Museums Journal, v. 94 (8), August 1994, p. 26–27. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Carrington, Lucie, ‘The museum roadshow’, Museums Bulletin, v. 26 (4), July 1986, p. 69.

Chapman, Sherry Anne, ‘Forward through the past: Reminiscence theatre and museums’, Muse, v. 16 (3), December 1998, pp. 22–24. [NMA S 069.0971 MUS]

Clive, Sue and Lucy Wilson, ‘Communicating the message: Drama and role play in art galleries’, Journal of Education in Museums, v. 9, Summer 1988, pp. 14–17.

Daniel, J, ‘Interpreters without a site: An inside view of reenacting’, Interpreter, v. 11 (2), 1990, pp. 1, 3–5.

Davies, Maurice, ‘Treading the boards’, Museums Journal, v. 96 (4), April 1996, p. 33. Abstract: Drama at Leighton House took place while major portions of the collection were on loan.  The drama took the form of a promenade performance called Relentless Perfection. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Davis, TC, ‘Performing and the real thing in the postmodern museum’, Drama Review, v. 39 (3), 1995, p. 15.

Droga, D, ‘The interpretive theatre project at the Australian Museum’, Museum Matters, v. 2 (3), 1994, pp. 5–6.

Feltoe, Richard, ‘Hosting a living history re-enactment’, Currently, v. 19 (2), March/April 1996, pp. 8–9. Abstract: Discussion of safety and hospitality issues in re-enactments.

Forbes, Maggie, ‘Museum theatre in a children’s museum’, Journal of Museum Education, v. 15 (2), Spring/Summer 1990, pp. 10–12.  Also in Perspectives on Museum Theatre (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1993), pp. 27–29. [NMA S 069.15 JOU, and NMA 069.16 PER]

Ford, Chris, ‘Interpretation special: Museum theatre’, Museum Practice, issue 13, v. 5 (1), 2000, pp. 62–64. Abstract: Peopled displays and live interpretation have a long history leading up to the rapid growth in their use by museums since the 1980s.  Ford explains the principles of modern museum-theatre and illustrates the different approaches to it in practice.  Case studies follow. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Forshaw, Robert, ‘Divide and rule’, Museum Practice, v. 27, Autumn 2004, pp. 54–56. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Garoian, CR, ‘Performing the museum’, Studies in Art Education, v. 42 (3), 2001, pp. 234–248.

Gillette, Jane Brown, ‘Weekend warriors’, Historic Preservation, v. 45 (6), November/December 1993, pp. 42–49, 103.

Gold, Nancy Dana, ‘Pageants, programming and the public: A perspective on special events planning’, The Museologist, n. 165, Fall 1983, pp. 8–11.

Haensel, Regine, ‘1885 revisited: Saskatoon’s Marr Residence’, Liaison, February 1986, pp. 14–16.

Hawkey, Roy, ‘All the (natural) world’s a stage: Museum theatre as an educational tool’, Curator, v. 46 (1), January 2003, pp. 42–59. [NMA 069 CUR]

Heald, Lisa, ‘Captain Scott returns to RRS Discovery’, Scottish Museum News, Winter 1987, pp. 19–20.

Hendryx, Michael, ‘Siskiyou County Museum’s Christmas candlelight tour brings history to life’, The Interpreter, v. 18 (3), Summer 1987, pp. 9–11.

Jones, Dale, ‘Living history in the city’, History News, v. 50 (3), Summer 1995, pp. 10–13. [NMA S 973 HIS]

Jones, Dale, ‘Theater 101 for historical interpretation’, AASLH Technical Leaflet, n. 227, Summer 2004, pp. 1–8.

Kammen, Carol, ‘Truth and fiction’, History News, v. 51 (2), Spring 1996, pp. 3–4. [NMA S 973 HIS]

Katriel, Tamar, ‘“Our future is where our past is”: Studying heritage museums as ideological and performative arenas’, Communication Monographs, v. 60 (1), 1993, p. 69.

Katzive, David H, ‘Museums on the air’, Museum News, v. 62 (5), June 1984, pp. 17–24.

Kneubuhl, Victoria N and Marie D Strazar, ‘January 1893: The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy relived in history’, History News, v. 49 (1), January/February 1994, pp. 12–14. Abstract: Planning and advertising an event. [NMA S 973 HIS]

Korn, Randi, Susan Ades and Conny C Graft, ‘Evaluation of an experimental interpretive program at Colonial Williamsburg’, History News, v. 50 (4), Autumn 1995, pp. 19–24. [NMA S 973 HIS]

Krugler, John D,Behind the public presentations: Research and scholarship at living history museums of early America’, William and Mary Quarterly, third series, v. 48,  July 1991, pp. 347–386.

LaVilla-Havelin, Jim, ‘Role playing in children’s museums’, Journal of Museum Education, v. 15 (2), Spring/Summer 1990, pp. 12–14. Also in Perspectives on Museum Theatre (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1993), pp. 30–34. [NMA 069.16 PER]

Lewis, Peter, ‘Dramatic effect’, Museum Practice, issue 27, Autumn 2004, pp. 44–47. Abstract: Providing live interpretation at museums can give visitors a truly memorable experience, but it needs to be supported by proper training and research. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Linnell, Rosemary, ‘Time passed in museums: An educational rationale for “en-active” learning through drama’, Journal of Education in Museums, n. 15, 1994, pp. 4–5.

‘Live interpretation: Introduction’, Museum Practice, issue 27, Autumn 2004, p. 43. Abstract: Theatrical interpretation in museums can be a powerful form of communication. It can show how ordinary people lived in the past, reveal the personalities of the famous and challenge the preconceptions of visitors. [NMA S 069 MUS]

‘“The Long, Cold Summer” signals growing collaboration of exhibit developers, theatre directors’, ASTC Newsletter, v. 21 (2), March/April 1993, pp. 5–6.

Luefjen, Karen Holt, ‘Dramatic performances as exhibition technique’, Exhibitionist, v. 12 (3), Winter 1994, pp. 19–21.

MacFarlane, John M, ‘Re-enacting’s fun … and a good history lesson to boot’,
Resolution, n. 27, Fall 1992, pp. 10–13.

Magelssen, S,  ‘Stepping back in time: The construction of different temporal spaces at living history museums in the United States’, Theatre Annual, n. 57, 2004, pp. 43–68.

Magelssen, S, ‘Performing practices of [living] open-air museums and a new look at “Skansen” in American living museum discourse’, Theatre History Studies, v. 24, 2004, pp. 125–150.

‘Making faces, Hampshire County Museums Service’, Museum Practice, v. 1 (3), 1996, pp. 13–15.

Malcolm-Davies, Jane, ‘Keeping it alive’, Museums Journal, v. 90 (3), March 1990, pp. 25–29. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Martin, David, ‘Education special: Drama for schools’, Museum Practice, v. 4 (2), issue 11, July 1999, pp. 58–59. Abstract: Interactive drama can be an accessible form of interpretation for schools, and help give exhibits a human context that is often missing in museum displays. Includes case study of program at the Museum of London. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Marwick, Sandra, ‘Upstairs, downstairs at Lauriston Castle in 1903’, Scottish Museum News, v. 8 (4), Winter 1992, pp. 10–11.

Moscardo, Gianna M and Philip L Pearce, ‘Historic theme parks: An Australian experience in authenticity’, Annals of Tourism Research, v. 13, 1986, pp. 467–479.

Moser, Karen Nelson, ‘A form most fitting: One group’s endeavour to create a living tradition’, Legacy, v. 10 (3), May/June 1999, pp. 30–32, 34.

Oestreicher, Lee, ‘Museum theatre: Coming of age’, Journal of Museum Education, v. 15 (2), Spring/Summer 1990, pp. 4–5. Also in Perspectives on Museum Theatre (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1993), pp. 17–18. [NMA 069.16 PER]

Ogg, Anthony, ‘Lessons from a Neanderthal?: Theatre-in-education at the Commonwealth Institute’, Journal of Education in Museums, v. 9, Summer 1988, pp. 4–6.

Oliviero, Jamie, ‘Remember this …’, Dawson and Hind, v. 13 (4), Fall 1987, pp. 4–5.

Parker, Barbara, ‘Museum theatre: An innovative tradition’, Museums Review, v. 22 (3), Fall 1996, pp. 34–35.

Patrick, Jeff and John M Sutton, ‘Blue wool and black powder: Assuring excellence in military living history programs’, Legacy, v. 6 (5), September/October 1995, pp. 6–11.

Price, Jon, ‘Museums go live’, Museums Journal, June 1993, pp. 18–19. Abstract: Performers and curators can together enter a new era of visitor satisfaction. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Pritchard, Kim, ‘Children of the Federation’, Museum Education: Newsletter of the Museums Australia Education Group, October 2004, pp. 7–9. Abstract: Report of a public program within which school students developed a visual presentation on the theme of Federation, including play, pageant, tableau etc, using a backdrop and up to three props, at the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville. [NMA S 069.10994 MUS]

Roberts, Laura B, ‘Ben Franklin at the Museum of Our National Heritage’, Journal of Museum Education, v. 11 (2), Spring 1986, pp. 15–17.

Robertshaw, Andrew, ‘Acts of the imagination’, Museums Journal, v. 90 (3), March 1990, pp. 30–31.  [NMA S 069 MUS]

Rueksam, Paul, ‘Really, you’re learning history – you just think you’re having fun’,
Currently, v. 12 (2), April 1989, p. 13.

Rutowski, Patricia, ‘Theater techniques in an aquarium or a natural history museum’, Journal of Museum Education, v. 15 (2), Spring/Summer 1990, pp. 5–7. Also in Perspectives on Museum Theatre (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1993), pp. 19–22. [NMA 069.16 PER]

Schindel, Dorothy Napp, ‘Making cultural connections through museum theatre: An experience’, Insights, v. 8, Fall 1998.  

Schindel, Dorothy Napp, ‘Museum theatre: Telling stories through objects’, Stage of the Art, v. 14 (4), Summer 2002.  

Schindel, Dorothy Napp, ‘Putting objects into context: Curator and educator storying together’, The Interpreter, Winter 1997.  

Schindel, Dorothy Napp and Karen Oughtred, ‘Theatre as a catalyst for inclusivity: Embracing a multi-cultural community’, Stage of the Art, v. 14 (1), Fall 2001.  

Stillman, Diane Brandt, ‘Living history in an art museum’, Journal of Museum Education, v. 15 (2), Spring/Summer 1990, pp. 8–10. Also in Perspectives on Museum Theatre (Washington, DC: American Association of Museums, 1993), pp. 23–26. [NMA 069.16 PER]

Thomas, Geraint, ‘Mr. Jarvis, vacuum cleaners and Puffing Billy’, Journal of Education in Museums, v. 9, Summer 1988, pp. 25–27.

Valentine, Alana, ‘Voices crying to be heard: The Museum Theatre Showcase at the AAM Conference in New Orleans, 6–10 May 2004’, Museums Australia Magazine, v. 13 (1), August 2004, pp. 8–9.

Vukelich, Ronald, ‘Time language for interpreting history collections to children’, Museum Studies Journal, v. 1 (7), Fall 1984, pp. 43–50.

Walker, Lesley, ‘What do you do with a pile of old stones?’, Museum Education Association of Australia Journal, n. 33, March 1992, pp. 4–6. Abstract: Describes a children’s programme of participatory theatre devised by CADW, the Welsh Heritage Organisation, and the Heritage Theatre Company based in Chester, England. [NMA S 069.15094 MUS]

Walker, Verity, ‘Live and kicking’, Museums Journal, v. 99 (11), November 1999, p. 23. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Wallis, Mark, ‘Dressing the part: The pleasures and pitfalls of historic dress at heritage sites’, Heritage Development, n. 1, 1996, pp. 18–19.

Whittington, Amanda, ‘What a performance’, Museums Journal, v. 98 (8), August 1998, pp. 23–25. [NMA S 069 MUS]

Dramamuse <http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/drama/theatre_e.html>. The resident theatre company of the Canadian Museum of Civilization since 1989, it interprets the Museum collections through short plays and interactive theatre. [Accessed 17 August 2005]