Dr. Peter Boenisch

Biography

Peter M. Boenisch is a Professor at Aarhus University’s Department of Dramaturgy. His research focuses on the intersections of theatre and society, particularly within the context of institutional conditions of theatre production and spectatorship. His interest lies in how theatre responds to the pluralistic society of 21st century Europe, influenced by major cosmopolitan centres. He is inspired by the works of political theorists and philosophers such as Slavoj Žižek, Jacques Rancière, and Andreas Reckwitz, as well as important figures like Hans-Thies Lehmann and Bertolt Brecht. Originally from Munich, he has spent 15 years in the UK at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama before returning to Germany, where he continues to collaborate actively with various theatre institutions and artists. He is also the President of the European Association for the Study of Theatre and Performance (EASTAP) as of January 2024. In his teaching at AU’s Dramaturgy programme, he covers dramaturgic theory and practice, theatre poetics production, and supervises various academic projects. His contributions to contemporary theatre also include organization and participation in important seminars and conferences across Europe.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses