Dr. Holger Syme

Biography

Holger Syme is a scholar and teacher specializing in the history of theatre and dramatic literature, with particular expertise in early modern English theatre and modern contemporary European performance arts. He has published extensively on early modern theatre and drama, including the book 'Theatre Testimony: Shakespeare’s England' released by Cambridge University Press in 2011, and co-edited a collection titled 'Queen’s Men' focusing on material practices and conditions of playing. Syme's recent work includes 'Theatre History, Attribution Studies, Question Evidence', published in 2023, evidencing his continuous engagement in research on the modern productions of old plays. His research focuses on an ambitious book project, 'Shakespeare Berlin, 1920-2020', which involves extensive original archival work in Germany, the UK, and the United States, exploring the evolution of Berlin's theatrical landscape over the last century. In addition to his academic contributions, Syme has worked as a theatre director and has translated or adapted various plays, with notable recognition for his work on Ödön von Horváth’s 'Kasimir and Karoline', which won the Dora Mavor Moore Award in 2020. He has also contributed significant articles to prominent journals such as 'Shakespeare Quarterly' and 'Theatre Survey'. His insights into the historical and contemporary relevance of theatre are evident in his public engagements and interviews, where he articulates the enduring significance of Shakespeare and the complexities surrounding theatrical interpretations.

Research Interests

Experience