Intermedial museum performance: a reflection on the use of intermedial performance as a medium of immersion at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Barbados Museum & Historical Society (BMHS) is seeking to attract a larger percentage of patrons from among the younger demographic, many of whom are technologically inclined. The intermedial performance approach was therefore recommended as a means of bridging the gap with this age group by allowing them to become ‘experiencers’ [Anderson, Gail, ed. 2004. Reinventing the Museum: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift. Oxford: Rowman and Littlefield., 45] of history, rather than passive observers. In order to test this approach, a controlled experiment was set up with a group of 10 young people (ages 17–24) who were given a guided tour of the temporary technology-enhanced World War 1 (WW1) exhibit which was on loan to the BHMS by Alliance Français. They were then given the tour a second time, using an intermedial performance approach, after which they were asked to compare the two experiences. Their responses to the experiment were then analysed in context to immersion, with specific reference to intermedial performance and immersive theatre. This paper reflects on the results of the experiment while serving as an enquiry into the efficacy of technology as a means of enhancing the immersive museum theatre experience, with the aim of appealing to a younger demographic.