theatre – Northumbria Englishes

Unveiling History — A Journey as an Archive Project Intern

by Shruti Vasant Mayekar

Working as Dr Helena Goodwyn’s Intern for the Tyne Theatre Archiving Project was an extraordinary experience that allowed me to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Newcastle upon Tyne and took me on a journey through time. This blog post recounts my immersive journey into archiving the fascinating shows and performances that graced the historic Tyne Theatre and Opera House throughout the 19th century, preserving a remarkable slice of history.

Although I’m currently undertaking an MSc in Project Management at Northumbria, because of my deep passion for arts and history, the opportunity to contribute to preserving this rich past has been truly rewarding. The Archive Internship aims to digitize and organize the extensive collection of show programs through newspaper articles, journals, day bills, and other historical documents associated with the theatre’s 19th-century performances.

The process of archiving required attention to detail and involved carefully cataloging and digitizing information from each document to ensure its longevity and accessibility for future generations. By meticulously organizing the archive, we aim to create a digital database that will not only facilitate research but also preserve the theatre’s legacy. One of the many advantages of this internship is the valuable experience it offers in handling large-scale data management. Therefore, I have had the opportunity to navigate through extensive collections of historical documents, honing my skills in cataloging, digitization, and organizing vast amounts of data. This hands-on experience in data management has undoubtedly enhanced my abilities and prepared me for future endeavours in the field.

In addition to me, there were several volunteers working on this archival project, and we have ensured that the rich cultural heritage of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House will be accessible for generations to come. The digitized collection serves as a valuable resource for academic research, community engagement, and a testament to the enduring influence of the arts in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The time I’ve spent immersed in the show programs have painted vivid pictures for me of the era’s theatrical performances, featuring renowned actors, singers, and dancers who graced the stage. It evoked the excitement and anticipation that filled the air during those bygone years. As an international student, delving into the history and culture of the Tyne Theatre and Opera House has been a captivating experience. Being immersed in the vibrant theatre scene of the city has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the local arts and the city’s cultural fabric. It was a remarkable opportunity to witness firsthand the passion and enthusiasm that Newcastle residents hold for the performing arts.

My time as an Archive Intern working on the Tyne Theatre and Opera House archive has been a transformative experience. Throughout the course of the internship, I received interesting insights about the working of the theatre. Overall, this internship allowed me to combine my passion for history, project management, and love for the arts. I’m looking forward to the launch of the website, where this data will be showcased for all to explore and appreciate. Recognizing the immense value of this internship on my career path, I wholeheartedly encourage fellow Northumbria students to seize such opportunities whenever they arise. The experience gained and the skills acquired during this internship are invaluable assets that will undoubtedly shape and enhance our future professional journeys.

We are delighted to hear that our colleague Connal Parr, who is a Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow in the Humanities here at Northumbria University, has been nominated for the Royal Historical Society’s Whitfield Prize

Connal’s book, Inventing the Myth: Political Passions and the Ulster Protestant Imagination, is an innovative and original exploration of Ulster Protestantism, focusing on the intersections of theatre, culture and politics and highlighting new perspectives which challenge some of the ideas which often circulate about twentieth-century Protestant culture. Here’s a description from the book’s website:

“Through its exploration of class division and drama from the early twentieth century to the present, the book restores the progressive and Labour credentials of the community’s recent past along with its literary repercussions, both of which appear in recent decades to have diminished. Drawing on over sixty interviews, unpublished scripts, as well as rarely-consulted archival material, it shows – contrary to a good deal of clichéd polemic and safe scholarly assessment – that Ulster Protestants have historically and continually demonstrated a vigorous creative pulse as well as a tendency towards Left wing and class politics. St. John Ervine, Thomas Carnduff, John Hewitt, Sam Thompson, Stewart Parker, Graham Reid, Ron Hutchinson, Marie Jones, Christina Reid, and Gary Mitchell profoundly challenge as well as reflect their communities. Illuminating a diverse and conflicted culture stretching beyond Orange Order parades, the weaving together of the lives and work of each of the writers highlights mutual themes and insights on their identity, as if part of some grander tapestry of alternative twentieth-century Protestant culture. Ulster Protestantism’s consistent delivery of such dissenting voices counters its monolithic and reactionary reputation.”

The Whitfield Prize is awarded by the Royal Historical Society for an author’s first book in the field of British or Irish history. You can read more details here

Congratulations, Connal!