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Marionettes, Mesmerism and Magic Lanterns


Access info

The past is a foreign country as the saying goes, and they certainly did entertainment differently there.

While esteemed intellectuals like Mark Twain graced the stage of the Mechanics’ Hall, more dubious entertainment reveals the prevailing attitudes and prejudices of the time. The Royal American Midgets, General and Millie Mite, performed a season in 1880, just a few years before meeting Queen Victoria. Minstrels appeared regularly, with the Georgia Minstrels ironically taking offence at the mechanics’ also hosting a séance during their season in 1877. That same year, a constable was requested to man the entrance of the institute to police the rowdy behaviour and filthy language of patrons. They were not attending a boxing match, but a marionette show.

Through archival documents, newspapers and photographs, this exhibition will guide you through the foreign country

of entertainments’ and audiences’ past.

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Accessibility Information
  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
5–27 Jul
10:00am - 3:00pm
Ballarat Mechanics Institute | Hugh Williamson Foyer
117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350

Entry by donation at the door.

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