Roots to Branches Program: Day 2

August 15 – 18, 2003
Science Museum of Virginia
Richmond, VA

Day 2 Roots: Our Roots in History

Morning:
Hospitality will be available in Eureka theatre Lobby from 7am until 10:30am.

9:00 – 10:15

Robert Foreshaw, Palace Stables Heritage Centre, Northern Ireland
Xylem and Phloem in the Vascular Cambium

This performance will explore how the medium of historical interpretation is used in a divided society to dispel the myths and stereotypes that are at the root of that division. A brief introduction will be followed by a presentation about the Act of Union of 1801 between Great Britain and Ireland. This presentation will put the audience in the heart of this divisive subject that is still at the core of modern Irish politics.

10:30 – 11:45 Concurrent Sessions

Roberta Gasbarre, Discovery Theater, The Smithsonian Associates, DC
Museum Musicals from the ground up!

Discovery Theater, in existence since 1979, presents a thirty-show season in our intimate performing space in the Arts and Industries Building at the Smithsonian Institution. Two to four of these are musicals or plays in which the music is integral to the experience; they either feature music composed especially for the topic-based themes and sung by the performers, or use archival music to provide immediacy. Director Roberta Gasbarre brings actors from these shows to discuss the museum musical experience and techniques for integrating this important element into your pieces. Hear how the Library of Congress and Discovery Theater added a traditional sing-a-long to engage young audiences. See excerpts from two sold-out shows created for Black History Month, Black Diamond: Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues, and Freedom's Children, and hear the 'DNA rap' from this summer's Double Helix! Let's jam!

Lisa Hayes, SUNY University at Buffalo, NY
Nurse

The goal of this presentation is to illustrate how oral history can be used to create an entertaining and educational theatrical piece. Nurse revolves around a nursing strike and is based on oral histories with nurses. This 60-minute performance will be followed by a discussion on how oral histories can be used. We will brainstorm the different ways the show could be incorporated into programming at different kinds of museums.

Afternoon:
12:30 – 10:00pm Trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Dinner (on your own)

All attendees will be bused to the world-famous Colonial Williamsburg, where you will have an afternoon to enjoy this "grandmother" of living history. Authentic period vittles with old-time service and presentation is a "must do." The bus will take you home with a full stomach and many good memories.

<< previous     next >>