In-between. Interdisciplinarity and Theatre Studies

The conference is part of an international research project that aims to examine and practice varieties and methods of interdisciplinary work by doctoral candidates of theatre studies and other subjects. The project is divided into two major phases: a workshop taking place from July 19th to 20th, 2014 and a conference that will be held on September 28th, 2014. Furthermore, the project will cooperate with the Twelfth International Congress of the 'Gesellschaft für Theaterwissenschaft' on the topic 'Episteme des Theaters' (September 25th - 28th, 2014, Ruhr-Universität Bochum).

The field of theatre studies has long since been aware that the research done within the scope of its subject matter finds correspondence in several other academic disciplines. Due to the multidimensional conception of theatre, whose various aspects have often been explored by other disciplines, theatre studies, from its inception, has had difficulties localising itself within the academic context. Just as at the time of its founding, the theatre studies of today faces the challenge of embracing approaches derived from the fields of history, literary studies, philosophy, media studies and further disciplines when facing contemporary issues.

Instead of raising the question what marks theatre studies as genuinely theatre studies - a question that does not satisfy either the demands of changing theatrical forms, cultural and academic institutions, or contemporary contexts or orders of knowledge - this international research project is to contribute to the opening of an interdisciplinary working environment and to the reflection of this shared space. A dialogue between doctoral candidates of theatre studies whose research projects refer to other academic disciplines and doctoral candidates of related academic disciplines whose research projects include problems typically examined by theatre studies will be conducive to finding affinities between the disciplines and how this contact, this space in-between the disciplines might be conceived and formed.

This project is to be pursued in four sections:

1. In-between theatre studies and history

2. In-between theatre studies and literary studies

3. In-between theatre studies and philosophy

4. In-between theatre studies and media studies

·