A Ghost Discusses the History of the Recoleta Cultural Center
A new performative tour at the Recoleta Cultural Center features an apparition that engages visitors in a dialogue about the building's rich history.
The Recoleta Cultural Center in Argentina is the setting for a unique performative tour called "Todos los ayeres, hoy" that intertwines history with the supernatural. The tour guides visitors through the many lives of the building, which has served as a Franciscan convent, a hospital, and an asylum, and now functions as a cultural center. In a surprising twist, the official guide, Tati Forace, is joined by the ghostly figure of InΓ©s de Dorrego, who disrupts the historical narrative and brings an imaginary dialogue to life, challenging the boundaries of memory, archive, and fiction.
The ghostly appearance during the tour exemplifies the local lore of Recoleta, known for its haunted history, with many residents claiming encounters with spirits. By integrating a ghost into the historical narrative, the performance not only captivates the audience's imagination but also encourages them to reflect on the layers of history that define the cultural landmark. This innovative blend of fact and fiction highlights the ongoing relationship between the living and the departed while adding a new dimension to how cultural stories can be told.
As audiences engage with this blend of reality and supernatural folklore, the performance may potentially reshape how the Recoleta Cultural Center is experienced by both locals and tourists. It serves as a reminder of the importance of storytelling in preserving history, and while visitors seek out cultural experiences, this immersive tour encourages them to contemplate the narratives that shape their understanding of the past and the characters who once inhabited these spaces.