First-person interpretation-the portrayal of historical characters through interactive dramatization or roleplaying-is an effective, albeit controversial, method used to bring history to life at museums, historic sites, and other public venues. Stacy Roth examines the techniques of first-person interpretation to identify those that have been most effective with audiences while allowing interpreters to maintain historical fidelity.
Past into Presentfocuses on first-person interpretation's most challenging form: the unscripted, spontaneous, conversational approach employed in "living history" environments such as Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts, Conner Prairie in Indiana, and Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. While acknowledging that a wide range of methods can touch audiences effectively, Roth identifies a core set of practices that combine positive communication techniques, classic interpretive philosophy, and time-tested learning theories to promote audience enjoyment, provoke thought and inquiry, convey important messages and themes, and relate to individual visitor interests. She offers numerous examples of conversation and demonstration strategies, visitor behavior profiles, and suggestions for depicting conflict and controversy, and she provides useful character development guidelines, interpretive training advice, and recommendations for adapting first-person interpretation for diverse audiences.
Table of Contents
Contents Acknowledgments Introduction Part I. New Approaches to History: An Overview Chapter 1. The Terminology of Living History and First-Person Interpretation Chapter 2. Goals, Benefits, and Drawbacks Chapter 3. Development of First-Person Interpretation Part II. Foundations for Historical Roleplaying Chapter 4. Before Interpretation Starts: Planning, Research, and Development Chapter 5. Is First-Person Interpretation Theater? Chapter 6. Developing a Character Part III. Interaction across the Centuries Chapter 7. Communication Challenges Chapter 8. The Role of the Visitor Chapter 9. Breaking the Ice and Encouraging Interaction Chapter 10. The Art of Conversation Chapter 11. Body Language and Tone of Voice Part IV. Roleplay and Relevance: Shaping Interpretation for Different Audiences Chapter 12. Interpreting to Adults, Families, Seniors, and Foreign Visitors Chapter 13. Interpreting to Children Chapter 14. Interpreting to Audiences with Special Needs Chapter 15. Interpreting Special Situations: Conflict, Controversy, and Heightened Emotion Conclusion Appendix 1. Glossary Appendix 2. The Ultimate Character Development List Appendix 3. Participants Appendix 4. Selected Sites Featuring First-Person Interpretation Notes Bibliography Index
