Study Day: Colonial Narratives and the Musical Stage


Newcastle University, 19 June 2025


Abstract Deadline: 31 January 2025

This study day explores the complex relationships between music, colonial governance, and memory, with a focus on musical stage works such as operas, ballets, and theatrical performances. Across various imperial contexts, stage music was used as a tool for governance and propaganda, shaping public sentiment, reinforcing cultural hierarchies, and legitimising colonial authority. These performances also influenced how colonial histories were archived, remembered, or forgotten.

This conference invites contributions examining how stage works were revived, adapted, or suppressed to serve colonial agendas, or how they have been reclaimed and reinterpreted in postcolonial contexts. The event aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and deepen our understanding of how music and performance intersected with the power dynamics of empire, governance, and memory. Abstracts are welcome from any period or musical tradition exploring these themes.

Participation is free, with travel bursaries available for students traveling from outside the Northeast subject to demonstrated need. To apply for a bursary, please include a one-paragraph statement of need alongside your abstract submission.

Please send abstracts or expressions of interest to colonialismonstage@gmail.com by 31 January 2025.