Autumn Conference “Measure for Measure”, 06-07 November 2026, Weimar
For the 2026 autumn conference, we will once again meet in Weimar on 6-7 November 2026. The theme of the conference will be the play Measure for Measure – is it really a comedy? – which will also be on the programme at the German National Theatre (DNT).
The last Weimar autumn conference focused on the tragedy Troilus and Cressida, which addresses politics, the pursuit of power, selfishness, and a grinding war. Measure for Measure is considered Shakespeare’s most politically modern play due to its critical engagement with themes such as governance, power, and moral authority. Its depiction of a state in moral crisis, in which those in power oscillate between authoritarian control and leniency, raises central questions of our time. Shakespeare’s play examines individual freedom and its limits within the framework of state order, political integrity, adherence to principles and their potential transformation into fanaticism and violence, and has gained troubling contemporary relevance in light of anti-democratic and fascistoid tendencies in today’s world.
The following speakers have already confirmed their participation: Professor Pascale Aebischer (University of Exeter), Professor John Jowett (Shakespeare Institute, University of Birmingham), and Professor Elizabeth Schafer (Royal Holloway, University of London). Further details and a full program will be available on our website at the beginning of September.
As part of the conference’s accompanying program, Measure for Measure will also be performed at the German National Theatre on 6 November.
Registration for the Autumn Conference “Measure for Measure” 6-7 November 2026 in Weimar
Registration is set to open in September 2026.
List of Participants
| Vorname | Name | Ort |
Upcoming Conferences
The executive board has set 23-25 Appril 2027 as the dates for the Spring Conference 2027 in Weimar. We are looking forward to a performance of Cole Porter’s adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew in his internationally successful musical Kiss Me Kate at the German National Theatre.