(Report by Dawn
Haynes)
I recently visited The Bergtheil Museum in Westville. This
museum is housed in the oldest building in Westville, just off King’s Road.
The house still has most of the original walls and
yellowwood flooring and has been well preserved. It was occupied by Jonas
Bergtheil who arrived in the 1840’s and was instrumental in bringing more than
200 German settlers to Westville. They settled on the banks of the Palmiet
River and established farms there. Recent excavations have unearthed many
valuable and interesting artefacts from the banks of the Palmiet, and these are
on view in the Museum.
Having visited this museum before, I was thrilled to
experience the museum in an interesting and innovative way! This is thanks to
Stephanie Jenkins who is a Masters student and UKZN specialising in Museum
Drama. We were welcomed at the entrance by two Drama students, Nosipho
Sikhakane and Sfundo Sosibo. Standing in two large footprints painted on an
entrance mat, we began our exploration of the museum by literally “walking in
the footprints “of the early Settlers.
There are seven main areas in this museum and each of us was
given a “Map of Memories” to recall a significant personal memory relating to
each main room. In this way we were totally involved and participating
throughout.
Nospipo and Sfundo used simple props and costumes in each
room to become characters from the past and act out simple, relevant scenes
which highlighted some of the main stories associated with this museum. They
had us enthralled as they led us through the museum giving interesting facts
and making the history of the area and its early Settlers such fun!
We went from the foyer to the bedroom, kitchen, Stone and
Iron Age room, Church room and finally the Indian wedding room. Each room
became a living piece of history as these talented performers brought the past
to life.
Museum Drama is new in South Africa and I can honestly say
that it is the best way to learn, experience and appreciate history. Stephanie
Jenkins obviously has a love for history and her research was excellent. The
final script was exciting and meaningful. It was well interpreted by the two
performers and the Map of Memories
had every one of us totally involved throughout.
I do hope this performance will be repeated at the Bergtheil
so that many more locals, especially young students, can benefit from this Museum
Experience.
Well done and thank you for including me in this original
experience. - Dawn Haynes
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