OVERVIEW
Made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., STAR WARS™ Identities is an innovative
exhibition that investigates the concept of human identity through the memorable
characters of the Star Wars films.
This exciting and immersive touring exhibition follows the journeys of Luke and
Anakin Skywalker, cinema’s preeminent father and son duo, as their identities are
developed from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.
An interactive Identity Quest puts visitors at the centre of the experience by inviting
them to ask questions about their own identities as they create a new and unique
Star Wars hero. Their identities, the identities of their Star Wars
heroes, and the identities of the characters from the films themselves are investigated
simultaneously as the interactive quest winds its way through the heart of the exhibition.
In order to engage viewers and stimulate their imaginations, the exhibition is infused
with the fantasy adventure so important to the Star Wars universe. Consequently,
the exhibition holds broad appeal for a general public of all ages and backgrounds,
including families, school groups, and film and science enthusiasts, and offers
a satisfying and exciting experience for Star Wars fans and neophytes alike.
CONTENT
STAR WARS™ Identities explores the theme of identity using ten components:
species, genes, parents, culture, mentors, friends, events, occupation, personality,
and values.
These ten components are grouped into the exhibition’s three main sections, which
follow the evolution of identity from childhood to adulthood: first Origins,
then Influences, and finally Choices. This thematic backbone gives
structure not only to the educational content of the exhibition but to the Star
Wars collection as well.
From a scientific perspective, visitors learn how these components affect identity.
Ten videos, one per component, combine clips from Star Wars with animated
graphics explaining how each component affects who we are, “we” in this case referring
simultaneously to the fictional characters of the Star Wars universe and
to the visitors themselves. These videos were developed in collaboration with the
Montreal Science Centre and a team of experts practicing in a variety of scientific
fields, including genetics, neuropsychology, health sciences, and psychology.
The stunning collection of some 200 props, costumes, models, and pieces of artwork
from the making of the films and animated series is integrated seamlessly into the
structure provided by these ten components. Carefully selected from the Lucasfilm
Archives, each object offers a deeper understanding of the identities of the characters
of Star Wars and is accompanied by behind-the-scenes information sure to
delight fans of the films and visitors interested in the movie-making process.
ENVIRONMENT
Spanning over 1000 square metres, this touring exhibition uses state-of-the-art
technology to transform the museum experience into an interactive, multimedia adventure.
Two types of technology allow for an immersive and innovative experience. First,
visitors are each equipped with a hands-free audioguide. Using infrared technology,
the guide gives visitors personalized access to all of the exhibition’s audio-visual
content in the language of their choice.
The second technological element is an RFID bracelet which tracks visitors’ progress
as they complete the different stations of the Quest. This information allows the
visitor to create his or her own Star Wars hero and then to visualize the
results in the exhibition’s conclusion. The results can then be sent to the visitor
via e-mail, at which point they can be shared through social media platforms.
PARTNERS
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment
companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated
entertainment company. In addition to motion picture and television production,
the company’s global businesses include visual effects, sound, video games, licensing
and online activity.
Lucasfilm's motion-picture productions include three of the 20 biggest box-office
hits of all time and have received 19 Oscars and more than 60 Academy Award nominations.
Lucasfilm's television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered
in San Francisco, California.
For more information, visit lucasfilm.com.
The Montreal Science Centre
The Montreal Science Centre has attracted over seven million visitors,
presented over 40 exhibitions, and screened more than 70 IMAX®TELUS films since
its inauguration in 2000. The first institution dedicated to scientific culture
in Quebec, the Montreal Science Centre is recognized across the province for its
major contributions to science and technology.
For STAR WARS™ Identities the Montreal Science Centre formed a team
of specialists from a variety of scientific fields, including genetics, neuropsychology,
health sciences, and psychology. The scientific committee’s knowledge and expertise
was essential to the development of the exhibition’s scientific content and helped
to ensure that the investigation into identity is rooted in up-to-date scientific
research.
For more information, visit
montrealsciencecentre.com.
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
X3 Productions and the Montreal Science Centre consulted the following experts for
advice throughout the development of the exhibition. This scientific committee was
fundamental to the creation and validation of the exhibition’s educational content.
Neuropsychology
- Jennyfer Ansado
Neuropsychology and Cognition Research Centre, Université de Montréal
- Miriam Beauchamp, PhD
Neuropsychology and Cognition Research Centre, Université de Montréal
Psychology
- Françoys Gagné, PhD
Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal
- Dave Miranda, PhD
Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
- Julien Morizot, PhD
School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal
- Daniel Paquette, PhD
School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal
- Annie Bernier, PhD
Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal
Biochemistry
- Claude Marineau, MBA, M.Sc.
Centre of Excellence in Neuromics, Université de Montréal
Social Psychology
- Roxane de la Sablonnière, PhD
Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal
Occupational Therapy
- Claire Dumont, erg. PhD
Occupational Therapy Department, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Education
- Nathalie Lafranchise, PhD
Department of Social and Public Communication, Université du Québec à Montréal