VISION

Living History NZ aims to create an itinerary of storytelling touchstones that connect geographically & emotionally in bringing NZ history alive. In the process we aim to deliver world class heritage experiences that turn visitor heads, hearts & itineraries.

BACKGROUND

Living History NZ was formed in 2007 to help fill the ‘void’ in early New Zealand storytelling. This resulted in the formation of the Living History Players, a troupe of professional actors inspired to bring ‘history alive’.

It began with the production of The Whiterats Lectures at Totara Estate, south of Oamaru. This story retold events surrounding New Zealand’s first export of refrigerated meat to Mother England, an economic turning point in the country’s history. The granary building itself provided a special ingredient to the show, playing to full houses seated on bales of straw in an intimate gaslight presentation.

The following two seasons saw the record breaking run* of The Great Storm of 1868. Set in historic Smiths Grain Store in the heart of Oamaru’s historic quarter, this story told of the hardships of life in a new land – building farms, businesses and homes from scratch – and trying to fit into a new society and raise families amid illness and uncertainty. But nature was to unleash a force far greater than all their nightmares, prejudices, and problems, as the Great Storm of 1868 descended upon Oamaru…

* Longest running performance in a single venue – Playmarket 2009

Our thirst in bringing history alive is not restricted to the stage. Through The Great Estates Tour we have created the experience of a ‘step back in time’ guided tour of North Otago’s grand homesteads and great estates. Whether its taking billy tea with the swaggers at Totara Estate, a tour with the butler of charming Burnside Homestead or being served homemade elderberry wine in the walled garden of Elderslie Estate, the costumed guides, hosts and ‘characters’ from past times immerse you in a ‘time gone-by’.

PHILOSOPHY

There are ways to bring the past into the present: that is, to make history relevant and connected somehow to our own present days lives.

“There are ways to bring the past into the present: that is, to make history relevant and connected somehow to our own present days lives. To achieve this we need to offer an authentic experience; one that challenges, amuses, stimulates, informs and inspires without falling back on stereotypes or cliches. All our design and content will be driven by the need to connect meaningfully with the past. The experience of finding out about New Zealand’s history must be a unique and honest one”.

The following elements guide our approach to interpreting and bringing alive the past.

• We aim to use stories based on actual events and people as the main way in which we present information.
• We aim to offer accurate information about the past in order to let visitors make a personal connection between “then” and “now”.
• We aim to use letters, newspaper articles, diaries, and historical records as a basis for storytelling wherever possible.
• We aim to interpret the past in a unique and highly creative way through a number of different mediums: film, theatre, self- guided tours, technologically innovative displays and hospitality.
• We aim to use trained actors and guides who can help embody the stories and /or provide additional insight and a heightened visitor experience.

PEOPLE

Introducing the ‘characters’ behind Living History NZ

Scott Elliffe

“If we want to create a world class experience we need to develop a team dedicated to not only realizing it, but delivering it day after day with the same passion in believing that ‘every visitor is the first.”

Scott is passionate about bringing New Zealand history ‘alive’ and making it accessible for New Zealanders and visitors alike. This project is the culmination of an extensive career in heritage management including roles with Auckland Museum and the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Scott completed a Masters in Entrepreneurship at Otago University in 2006 and now lives and breathes Living History NZ.

Michelanne Forster

“If we want to create a ‘world class experience’ we need to offer an authentic experience; one that challenges, amuses, stimulates, educates and interprets the past without falling back on stereotypes or cliches.”

Michelanne Forster has a keen interest in historical drama. Her prize-winning plays have been performed professionally throughout New Zealand and include, My Heart is Bathed in Blood, This Other Eden, The Rosenberg Sisters, Larnach and Daughters of Heaven. She has also written scripts for Television New Zealand, TV3, Radio New Zealand and The Learning Channel (USA).

Hilary Norris

“If we want to create a ‘world class experience’ we need to work to the highest professional standards whilst maintaining a joy and pleasure in what we achieve and affect our audience in a positive and exciting way.”

Hilary Norris is one of NZ’s leading theatre directors. She is based in Dunedin and has worked principally with the Fortune Theatre, but has also directed and acted throughout NZ, She has directed several of Michelanne Forster’s plays and has received acclaim as best director in national magazine “The Listener” for her direction of “My Heart is Bathed in Blood” in 2006.