معرفی
Cormac O'Brien is Assistant Professor of Irish Drama at University College Dublin (UCD) in the School of English, Drama and Film. He is a Fulbright Scholar and a leading academic in the fields of Irish theatre, gender and sexuality studies, and the Medical Humanities, particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS representation. His scholarship intersects drama, literary studies, and public health advocacy.
His research interests include:
- Modern and contemporary Irish drama
- Queer theory and LGBTQ+ representation
- Medical Humanities and cultural responses to epidemics
- Gender, masculinities, and national identity
- Biopolitics and cultural memory
O'Brien's recent publications and research projects explore HIV/AIDS in Irish theatre, the cultural politics of stigma, and the dramaturgy of queer identities. His work often employs non-realist forms to challenge dominant narratives of crisis and shame. He has also contributed extensively to edited collections on Edward Albee, contemporary Irish theatre, and performance studies.
His scholarly output reveals a strong thematic focus on stigma, identity, and the intersection of theatre with social and political activism, especially in the context of HIV/AIDS. His work bridges academic research and public engagement, with contributions to policy discussions and community-based initiatives.
Scientific awards and recognitions include:
- Fulbright Scholar (2018/19)
O'Brien actively supervises PhD students aligned with his research areas and has secured major research grants, including the Fulbright-funded project 'Ireland in the Age of AIDS'. He is also involved in teaching and curriculum development, coordinating modules on Irish theatre, masculinities, sexuality, and Tennessee Williams. He serves on the Executive Committee of the International Association for the Study of Irish Literatures and the Board of Directors of the Dublin Youth Theatre, reflecting his commitment to both academic and community engagement.
He is associated with research groups and initiatives such as the Queer Futures working group of the International Federation for Theatre Research and has led public symposia and digital engagement projects on HIV/AIDS histories and representations.
