Univ.-Prof. Dr. Winfried Eckel is a Professor of Comparative Literature at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, affiliated with the Faculty of Philology. His research focuses on modern poetry, intermedial studies, and literary aesthetics, with particular emphasis on symbolism, music in literature, and romanticism. He holds editorial roles for major literary journals and has published extensively on figures like Rilke, Mallarmé, and Proust. Eckel's work bridges literary analysis with broader cultural and philosophical questions, including memory studies and the aesthetics of modernism. His academic career includes significant contributions to comparative literature theory, intermediality, and the study of German and French literary traditions. Eckel has organized international conferences such as 'Comparative Perspectives on the Robinsonade' and 'Komparatistische Blicke auf Lateinamerika und Europa,' fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. He currently teaches at the Department of Comparative Literature and maintains an active research agenda in textual poetics and evental aesthetics.
Richard J. Haslam is an Associate Professor in the Department of English, Writing and Journalism, specializing in Irish literature and criticism from the eighteenth century to the present. His research focuses on Irish cinema, rhetorical hermeneutics, narratology, and literary theory. He holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Cambridge (1983) and a PhD from Trinity College, University of Dublin (1992). His pedagogical approach emphasizes active student participation through seminars, workshops, and regular writing assignments. Haslam’s publications explore themes such as Oscar Wilde’s sociopolitical dimensions, Irish Gothic literature, and rhetorical analysis of Victorian texts. He is a member of the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the Association for the Celtic Interdisciplinary Studies (ACIS). Recent work includes studies on Wilde’s plays, James Clarence Mangan’s legacy, and Irish Gothic narratives.
Kathryn Leemhuis serves as Associate Professor of Vocal Arts at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance. She maintains an active performance career while teaching voice and opera programs. Her office is located in Presser Hall 33, with contact number 215-204-7183. Educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Oberlin College Professor Leemhuis specializes in opera performance and vocal arts, with particular expertise in both historical and contemporary repertoire. Her research interests manifest through extensive stage experience in over 20 major opera roles spanning Baroque to modern works, including significant performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Teatro Colón, and other international venues. She explores vocal technique through diverse concert performances with major orchestras including Boston Symphony at Tanglewood and Los Angeles Philharmonic at Hollywood Bowl. The 2023 album 'Before She Became Fire' demonstrates her current artistic focus on water-themed compositions and contemporary poetry settings, particularly the works of Nikita Gill. This project reveals her interest in ecological themes, feminist narratives, and innovative vocal expression within modern art song. Her scientific awards include: Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions National Semi-Finalist (2012) Shreveport Opera Competition winner Gerda Lissner Foundation Competition winner George London Foundation Competition winner Multiple regional competition victories across 15+ national competitions Professor Leemhuis maintains an active performance schedule with upcoming recitals at Temple University and The Hartt School, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to both pedagogy and professional artistry. Her career bridges academic instruction with high-level professional performance, serving as a model for vocal students.
Todd Landon Barnes is a Professor of Literature in the English & Literary Studies program within the School of Humanities and Global Studies at Ramapo College of New Jersey , where he has been teaching since 2010. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley, with a designated emphasis in Film Studies, as well as M.A. and B.A. degrees from the same institution in Rhetoric and English, respectively. Ph.D., Rhetoric, University of California, Berkeley (Designated Emphasis in Film Studies) M.A., Rhetoric, University of California, Berkeley B.A., English, University of California, Berkeley His research and teaching focus on Shakespeare studies, literary and rhetorical theory, performance studies, film, race and gender, and critical theory . He explores how literature intersects with cultural, political, and philosophical discourses, particularly through performance. His work often examines Shakespearean adaptations in contemporary media and politics, including television, film, and public discourse. Barnes’s scholarly output includes a book, Shakespearean Charity and the Perils of Redemptive Performance (Cambridge University Press, 2020), and numerous peer-reviewed articles. His recent publications (2024–2008) analyze topics such as acid communism in film, racial identity in Macbeth adaptations, neoliberal redemption narratives, and Shakespeare’s presence in American political rhetoric. His articles appear in edited volumes and journals like Shakespeare Bulletin and Public Books , reflecting a strong engagement with interdisciplinary and public-facing scholarship. Barnes has no listed scientific awards or fellowships in the provided text. He teaches a range of courses including Shakespeare’s Plays , Shakespeare on Film , Literary Theory and Criticism , and Senior Seminar: The Performance of Everyday Life , indicating a commitment to both foundational and innovative literary studies. He is affiliated with initiatives such as Shakespeare at Ramapo and the Salameno Center for British Studies , contributing to campus cultural and scholarly life. There is no mention of graduate students he has advised or specific research grants, but his publication record suggests active scholarly engagement. He maintains regular office hours and is accessible via email at tbarnes1@ramapo.edu .
Rev. Dr. Mariusz Lach is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Drama and Theatre, Institute of Literary Studies, Faculty of Humanities, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. His work bridges academic theatre studies and practical religious performance, with a focus on Polish Christian amateur theatre, biblical adaptations, and the dramaturgy of Roman Brandstaetter. His research explores: The intersection of faith and performance in contemporary Polish theatre Biblical narratives adapted for amateur and educational stages The pedagogical and evangelistic role of theatre in religious communities He has directed over 30 theatrical productions, predominantly biblical musicals (e.g., Joseph , Odyssey , New Paradise Lost ), emphasizing accessible sacred storytelling. Lach's publications (2013–2024) reveal consistent themes: 80% analyze religious theatre , with emphasis on post-2000 Polish adaptations; 60% examine biblical figures or texts ; and 40% focus on educational/school theatre . His works frequently reference Roman Brandstaetter's dramaturgy and Salesian theatrical traditions. Awards & Honors: Badge of Honor: Meritorious for Polish Culture (2017) Main Directing Award (2013) He actively organizes conferences (e.g., National Forum of Religious Theatres), leads the ITP Theatre troupe, and judges national theatre festivals. His urban performances (e.g., Moria , Exodus ) engage public spaces for religious storytelling.
Dr. Katarzyna Wasińczuk serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian Literature at the Institute of Literary Studies, Faculty of Humanities, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. Her academic work centers on contemporary East Slavic literary production with particular emphasis on 21st-century drama and prose. Her research explores spiritual dimensions within post-Soviet literature, analyzing religious discourse in Ivan Vyrypaev's dramaturgy and identity construction in Russian-Belarusian theater. She investigates taboos in contemporary drama, violence representation in 'New Drama' movement, and anthropological aspects in Ludmila Ulitskaya's prose. Her methodology combines literary analysis with cultural anthropology and religious studies to examine transcendence, strannichestvo (wandering), and sanctity in modern Slavic texts. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent thematic focus on spiritual quests within East Slavic cultural space. She demonstrates particular expertise in Vyrypaev-Sigarev-Priazhko dramaturgical triad and Ulitskaya's narrative universe, connecting Orthodox traditions with contemporary existential questions through meticulous textual analysis. Her scientific recognition includes: Inner Reward Rector's Award (2024) Dean's competition scholarship at Faculty of Humanities (2018) Dr. Wasińczuk actively contributes to academic infrastructure as project contractor for National Science Centre's 'The Poetic Works of Ales Razanav' (2024) and Ministry of Education's 'Polish Drama in Ukraine and Belarus' (2020). She managed two KUL-funded projects on axiological aspects in contemporary drama (2017-2018), while organizing national conferences including 'Identity Discourses in East Slavic Literatures' (2023) and student translation competitions since 2016.
Michèle Rohrbach is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Performing Arts of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MUK). She holds a degree in Acting from Zurich University of the Arts and is a member of theater collective makemake produktionen. Her work spans theater, film, and interdisciplinary performance, emphasizing collaborative creation and narrative innovation. Rohrbach has received prestigious awards including the Nestroy Prize and multiple STELLA Performing Arts Prizes, and her work has been featured at major festivals like Locarno and Bregenz. Education: Zurich University of the Arts (Acting) Research interests focus on blending traditional theater forms with experimental techniques, exploring themes like memory, identity, and human connection through site-specific performances, musical theater adaptations, and multimedia collaborations. Her directing debut Forget-Me-Not (2022) premiered at the Bregenz Festival, while Mother Tongue Mameloschn (2018) won the Nestroy Prize for Off-Production. She frequently collaborates with ensembles like Die Schurken and Kosmos Theater Vienna. Awards: Nestroy Prize (2018) STELLA Performing Arts Prize (4×) Berlin Theatertreffen Nomination (2020) Friedl Wald Foundation Award (Student Award) Labs/Teams: makemake produktionen, Die Schurken ensemble, Dschungel Wien, Bavarian State Opera collaborations. Her work often integrates clowning techniques from Sue Morrison workshops and emphasizes cross-disciplinary storytelling.
Hélène Cixous is a renowned Professor of Writing and Philosophy at The European Graduate School / EGS. Born in 1937 in Oran, Algeria, she is a pioneering figure in feminist theory, literary criticism, and poststructuralist philosophy. Her career spans academic roles including founding the Université de Paris VIII and the Centre de Recherches en Etudes Féminines, and co-founding the journal Poétique with Gérard Genette and Tzvetan Todorov. She earned her agrégation in English (1959) and a PhD in 1969 (Sorbonne). Her research explores intersections of gender, language, and identity through works like Le Rire de la Méduse (1975), foundational to écriture féminine . Key themes include overcoming logocentrism, feminist rewriting of myth (e.g., Promethea ), and the transformative power of writing. She received the Prix Médicis (1969) for Dedans . Her intellectual collaborations include Jacques Derrida ( Voiles ), Clarice Lispector, and Ariane Mnouchkine. She critiques patriarchal structures while advocating for interdisciplinary education and poetic innovation in academia. Education: PhD in Letters, Sorbonne (1969) École Normale Supérieure, Paris Studies in English literature at Bordeaux and Paris Key Contributions: Founded Paris VIII (1968) Developed écriture féminine theory Advocated for experimental pedagogy
Valleri J. Robinson is an Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Illinois. Her academic roles include affiliate faculty positions in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures and the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center. She specializes in Russian-American cultural exchange, Cold War performances, transnational theatre historiography, and Chekhov adaptations. Her research explores intersections between theatre and political history, particularly Soviet-American relations and Eastern European cultural movements. Robinson’s publications include the book Russian Culture and Theatrical Performance in America, 1891-1933 (2011) and articles in journals like Theatre Survey and Contemporary Theatre Review . Notable works address Soviet propaganda in WWII, Belarusian protest theatre, and Nikolai Kolyada’s Ekaterinburg productions. She has received prestigious awards, including the 2012 American Theatre and Drama Society Travel Award and a Fulbright grant (2014) for collaboration with the Kolyada Theatre in Russia. Her teaching spans courses like 20th Century Russian Theatre and Dramaturg’s Workshop. As a professional dramaturg, she has advised U.S. theatre companies and playwrights. Robinson frequently presents keynote lectures at conferences, including talks on Cold War theatre historiography and Chekhov’s transnational reception.
Paul Werstine is a Distinguished University Professor at Western University, specializing in Shakespearean textual criticism and early modern dramaturgy. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Department of English and Writing Studies , with strong ties to King’s University College . Werstine earned his PhD (1976) and MA (1971) from the University of Western Ontario, and a BA (Hons.) from King's at Western Ontario (1970). His research focuses on the intersection of Shakespearean manuscripts , playhouse practices , and editorial theory , particularly challenging assumptions about foul papers and bad quartos. His work has pioneered digital Shakespeare editions , including hypertextual interfaces that contextualize early printings with manuscript culture. Key contributions include Early Modern Playhouse Manuscripts and the Editing of Shakespeare (2012) and editorial work on major plays like Hamlet and King Lear . Werstine has received numerous citations for his work, including in Four Shakespearean Period Pieces (De Grazia, 2021) and Typographies of Performance (Bourne, 2020). A 2025 conference Shakespeare After Werstine: Editing Shakespeare Now celebrates his career and addresses current editorial challenges. Academic awards include the Distinguished University Professor title and a 2012 Variorum Commentary in Archbook: Architectures of the Book . He has mentored through editorial projects and collaborated with institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada .
Sandrine Bazile is a Lecturer at Montpellier University's Faculty of Education, based at the Perpignan site. She holds roles such as Deputy Director of the FdE, responsible for innovation and digital technology, and is a member of multiple academic bodies including the UOH Scientific Council and the LIRDEF board. Her research focuses on didactics, theatrical pedagogy, and the integration of AI in education. She coordinates the 'Multimodal Transpositions' research community and oversees cultural activities at Perpignan. Her research interests span literary didactics, the interplay between reading and writing, and the role of theater in education. She explores AI's impact on educational practices, as seen in recent studies on generative AI in school contexts. Her work also addresses intercultural communication through theater and the use of digital tools in language learning. Bazile has authored or co-authored over 79 publications, including articles on theater education, digital writing, and curriculum development. She actively supervises research in literature and education, contributing to MEEF Master's programs and teacher training initiatives. Her international collaborations include work on AI in education and participatory theater projects, reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice in educational settings. She is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Didactics, Education, and Training (LIRDEF), where her research emphasizes multimodal transpositions and innovative pedagogical strategies. Her involvement in committees and educational projects underscores her leadership in advancing educational practices and digital innovation.
Emily Elizabeth Clark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at Mercy University, where she contributes to both academic instruction and theatrical production. She is based in Nugent Hall, Room 152F, and can be reached via email at eclark@mmm.edu or by phone at 646-393-4131. Education: PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies Her research and artistic practice focus on contemporary theatre, performance studies, directing, and choreography. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, she integrates academic scholarship with stage direction and movement design, enriching the educational experience for students in the theatre program. Her recent creative work reflects a commitment to socially engaged and musically driven theatre. Notable productions include directing and choreographing In Transit at MMC, directing The Laramie Project for St. Bart’s Players, and choreographing Urinetown at MMC—demonstrating expertise in both dramatic narrative and musical theatre performance. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Emily Elizabeth Clark advises students in theatre arts and is involved in guiding performance-based projects and productions. While specific grants are not mentioned, her active role in major theatrical productions suggests ongoing support for creative research and artistic development within the university and broader theatre community. She is actively involved in the theatre program’s production arm, contributing to departmental showcases and student performance opportunities, particularly through on-campus and collaborative city-based theatre events.
Rachel Birch-Lawson is a Lecturer in Movement and Head of Movement at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Surrey. She contributes to actor training with a focus on physical and embodied performance practices. Her research and teaching interests center on movement within dramatic performance, including physical theatre, somatic techniques, and choreographic methods for actors. These areas are integral to contemporary actor training and emphasize the body as a primary instrument of expression. Rachel holds professional and academic credentials including BA (Hons), MFA, FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy), and CFA, reflecting her commitment to excellence in teaching and professional practice in the performing arts. She plays a leadership role as Head of Movement at GSA, overseeing curriculum development and pedagogical approaches in movement training for actors. While no publications or awards are listed in the available text, her position indicates active involvement in performance education and practice-based research. Email: r.birch-lawson@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Prof. Dr. Enrique Rodrigues-Moura has been holding the Professorship for Romance Literature / Hispanic Studies at the University of Bamberg since April 2012. He is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Cultural Studies, specializing in Iberian and Transatlantic literary and cultural studies. His work spans multiple languages including German, English, and Romance languages, reflecting his commitment to multilingual academic practice. His research interests focus on Iberian Studies, Transatlantic Relations between Latin America and Europe, the interplay between narratives, historiography and politics, edition philology, and cultural transfer between the Iberoromanic world and German-speaking regions. He emphasizes critical historical awareness, networked thinking across geographical and theoretical frameworks, and maintains a strong commitment to diversity management and inclusive teaching practices. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on Lusophone and Hispanic literary traditions, particularly examining colonial and post-colonial narratives, Baroque literature, and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Americas. His work frequently engages with manuscript studies, historical drama, and the representation of power dynamics in literary texts. The articles show particular expertise in Portuguese colonial history, Spanish Golden Age theater, and contemporary Latin American literature. Prof. Rodrigues-Moura has supervised numerous doctoral students across multiple institutions, reflecting his international scholarly network. His supervision spans diverse topics including Latin American literature, Iberian studies, and cultural history. He actively participates in academic events, including guest lectures, workshops, and conferences that promote international scholarly exchange. He maintains an active research agenda with publications appearing consistently from 2008 through 2025, demonstrating sustained scholarly productivity. His work often involves international collaborations, as evidenced by co-edited volumes and participation in multinational academic events. The professorship he leads maintains strong connections with institutions across Europe and Latin America.
Dr. Erin Cowling is an Associate Professor and Discipline Coordinator of Spanish at MacEwan University's Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts and Science. Her research bridges the Early Modern Spanish Theatre, Renaissance Literatures, and Latin American Cultural Studies. Education: PhD in Spanish (Johns Hopkins University) Research Focus: Analyzing historical Spanish texts for contemporary relevance, particularly through adaptation and digital humanities. Her groundbreaking work on chocolate in Spanish Golden Age literature recontextualizes colonial trade through cultural memory. Dr. Cowling actively collaborates with international theatre groups, exploring how performance transforms textual understanding. She has received prestigious accolades including: 2023 SSHRC Insight Grant 2022 SSHRC Institutional Grant 2022 Matthew Stroud Comedia Article Prize Dr. Cowling serves on the executive board of the Association for Hispanic Classical Theatre and mentors senior students in independent research projects.
