Conducting oral history interviews on sensitive or painful subjects

Saturday 16 March 2024, 9.30am-4.00pm, online via Zoom

Taught by Sarah Rood and Alistair Thomson (see trainer profiles here)

Interviews on topics such as war, natural disaster, illness or violence are likely to be challenging for the interviewee and the interviewer. But any oral history interview can trigger difficult and painful remembering and will require an appropriate response and appropriate preparation in the first place. This OHV online Advanced Workshop by two of Australia’s most experienced oral history trainers will consider: the personal and ethical responsibilities of the oral historian; the range of ways in which interviews might generate difficult or painful remembering; minimising risk in project planning and communication; issues and approaches for interviewing on sensitive subjects and responding to difficult remembering; the safety of the interviewee and interviewer; and responsibilities and options after the interview.

Participants in this advanced workshop must have interview experience or have participated in an OHV Oral History Beginners workshop. You will be encouraged to bring relevant examples from your own oral history practice for discussion. In 2023 this course was full booked with a long waiting list, so don’t delay your registration.

For details of course fees and to register, visit our Humanitix listing here.

Please note that tickets are first made available to OHV members, with non-members able to register a week later (from the 14th February).