Theatre-Rites

Hans Christian Andersen

A free exhibition for all ages at the British Library
20 May - 2 October 2005

Theatre-Rites was commissioned by the British Library to design a major exhibition on Hans Christian Andersen, marking the bi-centenary of the birth of this much loved writer.

Hans Christian Andersen was born 200 years ago in Denmark. His fairy stories are internationally known and loved but how did such a self-obsessed, social misfit create this world of engaging fantasy? Our exhibition aims to reveal some of the underlying themes of Andersen’s fiction. Using clues provided by many of his best known characters, it explores the dark side as well as the innocence of his vision.

This is a new-style exhibition for the British Library. Interactive exhibits complement the more traditional historical material to mix word and play, reality and magic. Within a soundscape inspired by Andersen’s stories, puppets, pulleys, projections and paper-cuts bring Andersen’s characters to life. Visitors can create their own fairy tales, go under water and find the snow queen herself.