26th Annual Student Research Conference
The Show Must Go On:
Perceptions of Local Theatres of the Past Through Photography
Racheal A. Kissee
Dr. Amber Johnson, Faculty Mentor
In every city there are landmarks, cultural relics that hold historical importance for the residents. Over time those sites change with the landscape and the stories and memories surrounding them change as well within the mental landscape of the residents. What once held historical and cultural importance for generations of the citys population, no longer holds the same meaning for the younger residents. In Kirksville, MO, the Princess Theatre is one such landmark. Opening on February 29, 1916 and remaining open until the early 1960s, the Princess was stage to vaudeville acts, movies (silent and color), orchestral concerts, and more. Currently, the Princess stands as an antique mall. Mirroring Flowerdays (2009) work in the Hunza region of Pakistan, photographs of the Princess Theatre were shown to native residents of the age groups of 18-30, 31-50, and 50 years and older. Their responses are analyzed here.
Keywords: Kirksville, Memory, Photograph, Theatre, Survey
Topic(s):Anthropology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 1-2
Location: GEO
Time: 3:30