Publications
Touching Traces of the Past
Traces in heritage sites are not inert relics but dynamic, quasi-objective phenomena that scaffold narratives, generate immersive atmospheres, and invite affective engagement. The study introduces a three-axis taxonomy—intentionality, materiality, and temporality—to explain how material residues function as pathic affordances, attuning visitors to place and narrative through embodied and situated cognition. Case studies, including Kronborg Castle, reveal that the preservation, manipulation, or erasure of traces is an ethical act with profound implications for heritage practitioners, as these traces sustain narratives and memories, preventing heritage dissolution into the past.
Fakta og fantasi, historiebrug og museernes troværdighed
A cultural-historical exhibition at Kronborg Castle demonstrates that blending contemporary and ancient artworks in a dialogue-based format can effectively engage visitors and provoke reflections on the use of historical narratives. The exhibition, 'Facts and Imagination,' employed a method combining curatorial expertise with historical research to create immersive storytelling experiences. Quotes from visitor interviews highlighted the exhibition's ability to foster critical thinking about historical representation. This approach offers a model for museums to balance factual accuracy with imaginative interpretation while maintaining credibility.
Multi‐year monitoring shows higher species richness and diversity of fish assemblages in a Danish seagrass meadow as compared to neighbouring non‐vegetated areas
A multi-year study in Kronborg Bay, Denmark, reveals that seagrass meadows significantly enhance fish species richness and diversity compared to adjacent bare sediment areas. The research, conducted over four years using beach seine hauling with a bio-monitoring net, found that the presence of seagrass increased biodiversity metrics such as Pilou's evenness and the Shannon-Wiener index by 2–4 times. Notably, the Atlantic cod was almost exclusively found in the seagrass meadow, while lesser sand eel dominated in bare sediment areas. The study also observed an increase in European plaice abundance over time, highlighting the ecological importance of seagrass habitats for local fish productivity and diversity in dynamic coastal environments like the Øresund strait.
Royal Reveals: LiDAR Mapping of Kronborg Castle, Echoes of Hamlet's Halls
A groundbreaking digital reconstruction of Kronborg Castle, Denmark's iconic Renaissance fortress and setting for Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' reveals unprecedented architectural details through advanced LiDAR scanning. The study utilized a 16-channel, 360-degree Velodyne VLP-16 LiDAR scanner paired with an Intel RealSense L515 depth camera to capture intricate structural nuances in high resolution. This dataset not only provides a comprehensive 3D model of the castle but also offers valuable resources for researchers studying Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) techniques and floorplan generation, bridging historical preservation with cutting-edge digital mapping technologies.
‘Precurse of Feared Events’
In 1939, John Gielgud's performance of Hamlet at Kronborg Castle (Elsinore) and the surrounding events were marked by a haunting resonance between Shakespearean themes and the looming specter of war. A photograph from this production captures Gielgud and Fay Compton in front of a newly unveiled stone relief of Shakespeare, symbolizing a cultural and diplomatic exchange between Denmark and the UK during a tense pre-WWII period. The study reveals how the intersection of location, play, and historical context created an atmosphere of foreboding, reflecting both the memory of past conflicts and the fear of impending war.
Shakespeare on European Festival Stages ed. by Nicoleta Cinpoeş, Florence March, and Paul Prescott
Shakespeare on European Festival Stages reveals the significant yet understudied role of Shakespeare festivals in shaping cultural identity and theatrical innovation across Europe. The collection, spanning 11 chapters, documents a diverse range of festivals—from renowned events like the Festival d’Avignon to lesser-known grassroots gatherings such as Patalenitsa in Bulgaria—highlighting their contribution to preserving and reinventing early modern theatre. Through vivid descriptions and expert insights, it underscores how these festivals, often hosted in small or overlooked towns, leverage Shakespeare’s cultural appeal to foster artistic experimentation and community engagement. The study employs a travelogue-style approach, blending cultural criticism with festival analysis, to demonstrate the ephemeral yet enduring impact of these theatrical spaces on European heritage.
Hamlet Live: the 7 I’s Experiential Strategy Framework for heritage visitor attractions
Kronborg Castle's 'Hamlet Live' offers a groundbreaking experiential strategy for heritage visitor attractions, achieving success through seven interconnected elements—termed the 7 I’s framework. This interactive theatrical experience, set in the Renaissance castle and inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, leverages professional actors’ improvisations to boost revenue and visitor satisfaction. The study, based on observations, interviews, and TripAdvisor reviews, identifies these elements as critical to creating extraordinary experiences. Recommendations are provided for other heritage attractions to replicate this success.
A Driving Force, Odin Teatret: Ur-Hamlet at Kronborg Castle
A groundbreaking collaboration between Odin Teatret and diverse theatrical traditions showcased the potential of intercultural artistic integration at Kronborg Castle. The study reveals how Odin Teatret's 'Ur-Hamlet' production in 2006, performed at Elsinore Castle, Denmark, demonstrated the efficacy of their 'third theater' concept by blending actors with varied Western and Eastern backgrounds and professional trajectories. This research highlights the distinct artistic practices employed by Odin Teatret, emphasizing the impact of diverse theatre training and experience on the production's success.
Kronborgs tre kroner. Kunst og heraldik som kampplads i 1500-tallets Norden
A 16th-century heraldic controversy over the use of the three-crown symbol, associated with the Kalmar Union, remains unresolved despite the war between Denmark-Norway and Sweden (1563–1570). The study reveals that the Danish king, Frederik II, deliberately incorporated the three-crown motif into Kronborg Castle’s architecture, including spires and weather vanes, to assert his claim over this powerful symbol. This act underscores the personalization of politics in Scandinavia during this period, where royal reputation was inextricably linked to national identity. The research highlights how art and heraldry served as tools for propaganda, often functioning as indirect attacks on rival monarchs' reputations. By analyzing historical records and iconography, the study provides insight into the enduring significance of symbolic power in early modern Scandinavian politics.
Museet for Søfart, Elsinore, Denmark.
The Maritime Museum of Denmark, relocated to Elsinore's harbor front in 2013, strategically positioned maritime history as both a reflection of Danish cultural heritage and a forward-looking institution. Designed by Bjarke Ingels, the museum's new location—just steps from Kronborg Castle—amplified its role as a national symbol, embedding the shipping industry into Denmark's broader historical narrative. This architectural and curatorial endeavor, funded by a consortium of Danish foundations, received international acclaim for its innovative design and its ability to convey the relevance of maritime activities to contemporary society. The study highlights how such institutions can serve dual purposes: preserving historical narratives while simultaneously legitimizing and promoting an entire industry.
Gentlemen You Are Welcome to Elsinore: Hamlet in Performance at Kronborg Castle, Elsinore
Kronborg Castle, located twenty-five miles north of Copenhagen, is identified as the likely setting for Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' despite no direct evidence linking Shakespeare to the site. The study suggests that Shakespeare may have chosen this newly erected castle for its familiarity with Englishmen who visited the royal court and possibly entertainers like Will Kempe, a later member of Shakespeare's company. While the play contains some local color, it lacks detailed accuracy, indicating that any connection to Kronborg Castle is speculative rather than proven.
The visit to the plague-stricken man and what came of it
A historical account from Kronborg Castle in 1620 reveals the devastating impact of plague on Denmark, with approximately 16,000 deaths reported across Sjælland, Norway, and Jutland. The narrative highlights a strict regulation prohibiting castle servants from entering plague-infected homes, yet it details an incident where three soldiers defied this order to visit their afflicted comrade, Thomas Randers. This breach of protocol led to a confrontation with Sergeant Caspar, who accused them of violating the rules. The account underscores the tension between duty and compassion during a pandemic, while also illustrating the limited understanding of disease transmission at the time. The text serves as a poignant historical record, offering insights into medieval responses to infectious diseases.
Whose Castle is it Anyway?: Local/Global Negotiations of a Shakespearean Location
Kronborg Castle, associated with Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' faces a cultural identity crisis where its fictional reputation overshadows its historical significance. Marketed as 'Hamlet’s Castle' and Elsinore as the 'Home of Hamlet,' the castle's global recognition is driven more by Shakespearean tourism than Danish heritage. This study reveals how Kronborg's identity has been reshaped over two centuries through international Shakespearean performances, reflecting evolving ideologies. It also questions how this identity may adapt amid rising nationalism in Europe and worldwide. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing naming conventions, performance traditions, and ideological shifts to explore the tension between local heritage and global cultural narratives.
Frederik II af Danmark og Sophie af Mecklenburg – et stjernepar fra renæssancen. En tysk fyrstelig repræsentationsform i Danmark?
A Renaissance star couple emerges from the study of Frederik II of Denmark and Sophie of Mecklenburg, revealing their strategic use of genealogy and apotheosis to solidify royal power. The research highlights how the couple's alliance was symbolically rendered through art, notably in the canopy of Kronborg Castle's great hall, mirroring German princely representation strategies. Unlike traditional kneeling donors, Frederik and Sophie were depicted with biblical motifs and monograms at parity with Christ, suggesting a divine connection. This approach contrasts with earlier Danish royal representations and reflects broader Renaissance trends in German courts.
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