Cosplay or Living History?

The question has been asked, "What is the difference between cosplay and re-enacting/living history?  Aren't they basically just the same?"

No. Not at all. Basically, the difference between the two is the purpose behind recreating the character, living, dead, or even fictional. Here are some photos that might help explain it.

This is cosplay.

Captain Jack Sparrow is a fictional character created for the film series, Pirates of the Caribbean. The man portraying him here has recreated Jack Sparrow's costume beautifully, but his intent is not to teach history - it is simply to recreate the character and then pretend to be him. (This guy 100% accomplished that - he was fantastic!)

This is re-enacting/living history.

Frank and Carol Jarboe spent months researching early American parsons and the lives of indentured servants in America, then created the characters of Parson John and his indentured servant, Maggie Bennet. They portray those characters as a way to teach history to those who attend living history events.

Cosplayers and re-enactors do have some similarities, one being the length they will go to for accuracy in the details of their clothing and props. 

For example, Parson Brown has acquired a genuine 1726 Anglican Bible that he carries with him as he preaches sermons in the style of an 18th century preacher.

Here is another couple that are a good example of re-enacting.

Mike and Phyllis Dotson  have created characters from the mid 19th century and use them to teach people about that the mid 1800s in our history. (Mike gave several lectures at the Kalamazoo Living History event.)

I cannot remember this lady's name, but she and her husband are portraying the Regency time period. (She was another lady whose sewing skills were incredible!)

Like re-enacting, cosplay is a lot of fun - I've dressed up as Deanna Troi before and had a blast! But my purpose was simply to have fun with friends, not to teach anyone anything. 

Living history is also fun, but when I participate in that, the teacher in me is very aware that I am providing a learning experience for others around me.

Clear as mud? Email me at horsiemama8@gmail.com if you have questions.