Interpretation of Heritage through Myths and Stories
The workshop was led by Dr Verena Perko and Jana Puhar, in cooperation with Snježana Karinja and Veronika Bjelica. Through three thematic sections, the participants became acquainted with manifold approaches to the interpretation of heritage objects and tested themselves in interpretation and creation of their own stories.
The workshop’s introductory part was dedicated to the museological nature of objects – as the carriers of cultural, symbolic and social identity. With the aid of visual material, Dr. Verena Perko wittily presented the fundamental thought: objects are not merely material remains of the past, but have a "soul" – as the carriers of memory, a means of communication and a link between the individual and the community.
In the second part, she carried on by presenting the basics of effective public performances and storytelling skills, which enable self-confident conveyance of content to the general public. She also referred to myths that bear deep symbolic meanings, and explained how myths differ from fairy tales.
The workshop’s third part was envisaged for practical work - each participant received a copy of a heritage object, gathered for this occasion by Jana Puhar from the Brežice Regional Museum, and included it in their personal interpretation of the story of the object.
This part was particularly interesting. Apart from the imaginative and diverse improvised narratives by all participants about the stories of the objects, we also listened to Špela Pahor, who presented a kamishibai about St. George. In conclusion, Jana Puhar held a short interview with all present, in which the participants shared their impressions of this kind of workshop organisation. The workshop consequently offered a rich experience that combined theoretical knowledge, creativity and interaction, and manifested how heritage objects can come to life through the stories told.
As emphasised by Dr Verena Perko: "Heritage is the nation’s fundamental identitial, educational, developmental and political capital. Still more important - heritage helps us recognize ourselves and others." The event reaffirmed that storytelling plays a commanding role in interpreting and recognizing intricate messages extricated from objects. Storytelling is not only a form of art, but a tool for associating, understanding and acting.
