Brent McKenzie’s lecture “Dark Tourism in Estonia – Attractions and Atrocities”

On Thursday, November 20th, 2014, 7 pm at Tartu College Brent McKenzie is going to give a lecture on the topic Dark Tourism in Estonia – Attractions and Atrocities.

Dark tourism as defined by Sharpley and Stone is “the act of travel to sites associated with death, suffering and the seemingly macabre”.  Although not a new concept, in many societies, visiting sites associated with death is, and has been, a considerable part of the tourist experience. In terms of Estonia’s history there have been a number of dark periods, particularly during the Soviet occupation in the latter half of the 20th century.

With Estonia’s return to independence in 1991, a number of tourist attractions and tours that focused on the darker parts of Estonia’s history, including the atrocities committed during the Soviet era, began to appear.  More recently Estonia has seen the growth of more controversial sites that present an alternative, nostalgic, view of the period.  This lecture will discuss both types of dark tourism, with a focus on the role of authenticity and kitsch, and the role that Dark tourism plays in conveying the image of Estonia to those inside and outside of the country.

In English.

Coffee and kringel.
No admission fee. A small donation to VEMU would be appreciated.

Info: piret.noorhani@vemu.ca, t. 416 925 9405