Professor Dr. Gerhard Fischer

Biography

Gerhard Fischer is an Associate Professor known for his expertise in literary studies and history, particularly within the realms of German and French literature and theatre. He pursued his academic journey by obtaining an M.A. and Ph.D. in comparative literature from the State University of New York, Binghamton, NY. His teaching career has spanned multiple institutions, including the Odenwaldschule in Germany and various universities in New York, Minnesota, California, and the University of Algiers. Since relocating to Australia in 1977, he has published extensively, contributing to modern German literature and theatre, Australian migration history in the 19th century, and multiculturalism. Fischer's notable works include 'Enemy Aliens' published by U Queensland Press in 1989, and he has written five books along with a hundred articles in scholarly journals and academic collections. He has also been a convenor for the Sydney German Studies Symposia and edited ten volumes of scholarly essays, emphasizing figures like Heiner Müller. His theatrical casebook, the Mudrooroo/Müller Project, is recognized as a landmark in Australian theatre, featuring entirely Aboriginal cast productions. Currently, he is engaged in a new publication addressing the theme of internment in Australia during World War II, which ties in with an exhibition at the Museum of Sydney.

Research Interests