Den förtrollade zonen

Leken som möjlighet och fara under Medeltidsveckan i Visby

Abstract

In the Swedish small town Visby, one week a year is dedicated to a temporary reconstruction of the city's envisioned past. A major aim of those who plan the so called Medieval week is to offer authentic and sensous experiences of life in Visby in the middle age. To achieve this goal visitors are encouraged to dress up in historical costumes and act in historical roles. How does one get hundreds of strangers to take part not only in the game itself, but also in the control of it? This article uses the playtheory of Gregory Bateson to examine the strategies used to create a mutual and distinct playframe. During Medieval week the game is safeguarded by setting limits in two directions. Awareness of the make-believe must not threaten involvement — but neither may the involvement threaten reality.