AIR DATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
Title: Orange County Folklore and Chills
Get ready for spooky season as Emily interviews a local folklore professor and members of the Phantasmagoria theatre troupe.
Guests
UCF Games & Interactive Media, Professor & Assistant Director – Dr. Natalie Underberg-Goode
Phantasmagoria Orlando, Creative Director and Performer – Byron & Lady Cimorene
Cultural Tapestry: Merging the Old with the New in Art and Folklore
In my show “Emily Tells All,” I have had the privilege of exploring two fascinating realms where art and culture merge seamlessly with modernity. The experiences with the Victorian horror troupe Phantasmagoria and the insights of folklore expert Dr. Natalie Underberg-Goode have truly opened my eyes to the vibrant cultural tapestry that emerges when we blend the traditional with the contemporary.
As the host of this intriguing series, I was captivated by Phantasmagoria, a theatrical group based in Central Florida that breathes new life into Victorian horror. Their performances, steeped in a rich Victorian and steampunk aesthetic, artfully resurrect stories from icons like Edgar Allan Poe. The troupe’s unique approach, combining storytelling, dance, puppetry, and even fire performance, goes beyond conventional theatre. It creates an immersive experience that’s not just about entertainment; it’s a celebration of community and inclusivity. Each show is more than a performance; it’s a shared cultural experience where audience engagement and education are as crucial as the art itself.
In a similar vein, my conversation with Dr. Natalie Underberg-Goode opened a window into how traditional folklore can be preserved and revitalized through digital media. Her work is a testament to the power of digital platforms in making folklore accessible and engaging for today’s audiences. Projects like her digital storytelling initiative in Cusco, Peru, are more than just preservation efforts; they’re interactive experiences that bridge historical knowledge with modern technology, connecting people to their cultural roots in an engaging, dynamic way.
These episodes on “Emily Tells All” have underscored for me the importance of cultural preservation in our rapidly evolving world. The innovative theatrical approach of Phantasmagoria and Dr. Underberg-Goode’s digital folklore initiatives are prime examples of how we can adapt traditional arts to flourish in the digital age. They represent more than entertainment or academic pursuits; they are living practices that connect us to our past while remaining relevant in the present.
Navigating a world where the digital realm increasingly intersects with traditional forms, these experiences have been enlightening. They’ve shown me how art and folklore can transcend the boundaries of time and medium. They remind us that at the core of every story, whether presented on a Victorian stage or through a digital screen, there’s a common thread that ties us to our collective human experience. This rich cultural tapestry, interwoven with threads old and new, continues to enrich our lives, offering lessons, entertainment, and most importantly, keeping our shared histories vibrant and alive.
