Final answer:
The term used to describe the act of portraying or recreating the spirit, people, or events of a past age is 'Historical reenactment.' It encompasses various interpretive methods in Museum Theatre and is also reflected in the genre of Historical Fiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the act of showing the spirit of a past age or recreating a person or series of events is Historical reenactment. This technique is used across various platforms such as Period Plays and Museum Theatre, where historical accuracy is balanced with contemporary interpretation. For instance, first-person interpretation at historic sites allows actors to engage with visitors as figures from the past, while third-person interpretation lets performers explain historical events from a modern perspective. Both these methods, as well as second-person interpretation, which involves audience participation, aim to create a memorable and educational experience that deepens the audience's connection to history.
Examples of historical reenactment include performances at Colonial Williamsburg and Fort Ticonderoga, which provide dynamic ways to experience and learn about past cultures and events. The remembrance theatre serves a similar purpose by allowing seniors to share their lived experiences, contributing to cultural sustainability. Meanwhile, Historical Fiction provides a narrative framework where fictional characters interact with historical events and figures, as seen in works like Les Misérables.