Traditions and Transitions folk narrative in the contemporary world
16-20
July 2001 The University of Melbourne, Australia
|
|
|
|
Traditions and Transitions folk narrative in the contemporary world |
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | main abstract index | main congress page |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
The Eureka Stockade of 1854, which took place at
Ballarat, Victoria, is Australia's only example of a civil uprising,
contributing to debates about national identity. The oral transmission of
stories and the role of memory, both private and public, are central to the
development of the Eureka Legend.
This paper examines the idea of ‘heritage’ and ‘tradition’ in relation to
Eureka, and the ways in which the Eureka story is presented to contemporary
audiences. Through commemorations, historic sites, walking trails,
re-enactments, films and museum exhibitions, the Eureka legend is constructed
in public discourse. Descendants of participants in the Eureka Stockade have
been central to this discourse.
This paper will examine the way the Eureka story is presented in Ballarat,
focussing on the role of Sovereign Hill's sound and light show Blood on the
Southern Cross and the new Eureka Stockade Centre. Given that many aspects of
the Eureka story are hotly contested, to what extent do present exhibitions
acknowledge these debates, and allow for a critical reading of the exhibitions
and presentations.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | main abstract index | main congress page |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |