Publications
Swimming in the Water of Theatrical Conventions: The Performers’ Perspective
Performers' insights into eighteenth-century theatrical conventions reveal the nuanced challenges and rewards of interpreting melodrama and historical texts. João Luís Paixão and Laila Cathleen Neuman, participants in the Performing Premodernity project, shared their experiences performing Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Pygmalion at the Drottningholm Palace Theatre and other historic sites, including Český Krumlov. Their reflections highlight how engaging with premodern theatrical practices—such as those of the Enlightenment era—demands a deep immersion in both scenic interpretation and the historical context of acting. The study underscores the value of performer-led research in uncovering the complexities of early modern performance traditions, offering new perspectives on the evolution of melodrama and its conventions.
Knowing and Not Knowing: Addressing Chinese Objects in the Art Museum
A series of high-profile thefts of Chinese art objects from European museums between 2010 and 2018 revealed a troubling pattern: many stolen items traced back to looted treasures from the Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) and Beijing’s Forbidden City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The study analyzed these incidents, including a 2013 heist at Norway’s KODE Art Museums, highlighting how such thefts reflect broader historical and ethical dilemmas in museum collections. By examining media reports and security footage—such as blurry images of thieves in action—the research underscored the challenges of tracking and repatriating cultural heritage objects, while also drawing parallels to earlier colonial-era lootings.
Digital Enchantment of Drottningholm
A counter-factual digital experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Drottningholm, Sweden, demonstrates how historical figures from the 18th century can be integrated into a living portrayal of past court life. While technically feasible, this project raises critical questions about broadening social perspectives—such as class, gender, and ethnicity—and the artistic choices needed to visualize activities in the palace and park. It also explores which forms of digital interaction best engage diverse visitor groups. The study suggests that while such an approach may offer poetic pleasures, bridging the historical gap remains a theoretical challenge, leaving unanswered whether Hans-Georg Gadamer's concept of 'fusion of horizons' can be achieved in practice.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Royal Domain of Drottningholm