Was holidaying in Leogang - a small town in the Alps quite near to Salzburg. Every year a friend puts on some theatre there - all the plays making use of the the landscape (mountains, mines) to tell stories about the area. Often about the 'hidden' past. Narratives that don't conveniently fit into regular perceptions of the country.
One drama involves the protestants who were forced to pack up their possessions and leave the region in the 18th century - religious cleansing at the hands of the Catholic Archbishop.
All the stories hint at a lack of honest engagement with Austria's more recent past - but the locals love them. It's a kind of community therapy that brings in tourist revenue too.
Part of the protestant story involves the banished traipsing along the main road through Leogang as they leave the region - with slightly bemused car drivers stopped by police while the procession of actors and spectators make their way past. Compelling theatre.
And also transferable. It would be great to see 'hidden' tales from some of england's towns being told as outdoor theatre. It seems to bring out the best in actors, local authorities and residents - shining a positive light on them all - probably because of their ability to be open to this experience.
In the case of the leogang theatre, the audience and actors end each show by eating and drinking together. Another great idea.
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