Call for Papers “Staging the Past: Living History, Live Audiences, Real Challenges” - Berlin, November 2026
EXARC and the Stadtmuseum Berlin (Team Museumsdorf Düppel) invite proposals for papers for the international conference “Staging the Past: Living History, Live Audiences, Real Challenges”.
The conference will be held in Berlin from 12 to 15 November 2026. Participation for audience and contributors will be possible both in person and online.
Conference Focus
The conference focuses on the opportunities and challenges of presenting the past through living history and museum theatre. Living history has become an increasingly powerful tool for interpretation, education, and public engagement, but it also raises important questions concerning authenticity, performance, audience interaction, ethics, and practical constraints.
We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
Historical authenticity and scholarly accuracy
Interpretation and storytelling
Experimental archaeology and embodied practice
Educational goals and visitor expectations
Institutional, logistical, and ethical realities within museum and heritage contexts
Living history and museum theatre as interpretive tools
Audience engagement and participation in live historical performances
Authenticity, accuracy, and creative interpretation
Experimental archaeology in performative contexts
Training, skills, and professionalization of interpreters and performers
Ethical considerations and representation of the past
Inclusion, accessibility, and diversity in live interpretation
Evaluation and impact of living history programmes
Challenges of staging the past in museums, open-air sites, and public spaces
Deadlines
Abstract submission deadline: 20 April 2026
Maximum length: 200 words
Please submit your abstracts through the conference registration form
Video presentations and slides deadline: 10 September 2026
Fees and Registration
The conference is open to everyone. Online participation for the audience is free of charge, although registration is still appreciated.
In-person audience members and online contributors are subject to a registration fee. Please refer to the registration page for rates and additional logistical information.
Co‑organised by:
