Many people associate history largely with the archive or the classroom, but some of the most compelling ways we share our stories, both traditionally and unconventionally, are creative, performative, and live. We are surrounded by popular representations of history in film, music, theatre and other performative mediums. Yet somehow these representations of history are often dismissed as less authentic or trustworthy than written histories.

Staging Our Histories aims to change our assumptions about whose histories we accept and whose we dismiss because of the way they are told. Showcasing thoughtful and vibrant representations of history, our collaborating artists illustrate the powerful ways in which performances and history ‘off the page’ can explore individual and cultural memory. From films to storytelling to dance (and everything in between and beyond), these performances present alternative ways of knowing and sharing history, challenging accepted narratives and shedding light on little-known stories, ranging from the personal to the collective.

Mandate

Staging Our Histories is a not-for-profit organisation committed to being an inclusive platform for engagement and dialogue regarding the ways in which we express our histories beyond the page. Our mission is to foster alternative, respectful, non-appropriative ways of knowing and sharing history and help shed light on little-known stories, ranging from the personal to the collective.

To this end, we organize and host performances, workshops, screenings, exhibits, and other accessible public events. All of our events aim to provide artists and performers a space to change assumptions about whose histories we accept and whose we dismiss because of the way they are told. We look for artists whose work showcases thoughtful and vibrant representations of history that illustrate the powerful ways in which performances and history ‘off the page’ can explore individual and cultural memory.

While our events bring together performing artists of diverse traditions with members of academia and the general public, we also seek to establish active partnerships and collaborative relationships in the communities where Staging Our Histories’ events take place.

Staging Our Histories also supports research that is located at the intersection of public history and performance by providing digital coverage of new projects and performances, research findings and other related material from such work. Where possible, Staging Our Histories also provides a physical platforms for new works.

Meet the people behind Staging Our Histories

Performers (Goderich 2016), (Ottawa 2015); (Bangalore 2016); Goderich 2019)