The aim of the project is to work out a methodology for digital documentation of stage performances in different genres for future research and education. Documentation will be stored in DVD format and include recordings of performances and other relevant information regarding respective production. In contrast to what applies to printed matter and medial recordings there are no legal regulations concerning documentation of performing arts. Public support of theatre and other performing arts is considerable but preservation for the future is done only sporadically.
The project aims to: (1) make a survey of documentation of performances in Sweden, (2) work out a methodology for documentation of performances especially with regard to the requirements of research and education, (3) work out a handbook for documentation of performances, (4) make some twenty documentations in various genres, (5) give recommendations for a programme for future preservation of stage performances. The project will be carried out in co-operation with the Department of Theatre Studies at Stockholm University, The Dramatic Institute and The National Archive of Recorded Sound and Moving Images and in contact with an earlier project at The Royal Library financed by the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation.