This month on Public History in a Virtual Age, we are exploring living embodiment storytelling, a medium that brings history to life through the portrayal of individuals from the past. A unique and theatrical method of sharing history, storytelling provides audiences with an immersive experience in which they can speak directly to historical figures, humanizing a past that can sometimes seem distant. For living embodiment storytellers, their work is an exciting challenge in maintaining authenticity and doing justice to historical individuals while approaching audiences with a 21st century perspective.
Today, we will be speaking to Brian Hilton, founder of Hail to the Chief, which provides audiences with authentic performances of U.S. Presidents. Discussing his portrayal of George Washington, Hilton will tell us about his never-ending research process, the challenges that come with presenting such a well-known figure, the role of clothing and physicality in embodying a historical person, and how he uses Washington’s life to expand the historical narrative.
After listening to this episode, be sure to listen to part II of this episode!
To learn more, visit theitps.org.