Postcolonial? is a temporary exhibition which explores complex histories of European colonisation and subequent decolonisation struggles. Beginning by unpacking the structural foundations of colonialism, it charts the varied ways in which European empires grew and collapsed, traces their impacts through the development of newly independent countries, and invites visitors to reflect on the ways colonial history still shapes life today.

As project scriptwriter, I began by working with the Museum’s curatorial team to closely define their target audiences, understand their own positionalities, set aims and principles for writing, and develop a set of sample texts. Next, I planned and led a series of workshops with four invited audience panels, comprising local people from colonised backgrounds, and young people from hegemonic cultural groups.

Structured as open critical conversations, focused on dissecting the sample texts, these test sessions helped to quickly evolve a clear written style for the exhibition—calm, straightforward, specific, detailed, and human—which informed all of my subsequent writing. The rich feedback shared through workshops also helped curators rehearse, refine, and sharpen their key messages for audiences.

Images: © House of European History, European Parliament