Mary Zimmerman

Mary Zimmerman is a Professor at Northwestern University's School of Communication, specializing in Performance Studies. She is renowned for adapting classic literature into visually striking theatrical productions, with international acclaim for works such as Metamorphoses, which earned her a Tony Award and MacArthur Fellowship. Her creative process emphasizes collaboration and responsiveness to contemporary contexts, blending text analysis with performance innovation.

• PhD, MA in Performance Studies (Northwestern University)
• BS in Theatre (Northwestern University)

Zimmerman's research and practice focus on the intersection of literary adaptation and stage performance, emphasizing vivid storytelling and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has directed operas at prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Opera and LA Opera, and her work is performed globally.

Notable scientific awards include the Tony Award, Obie Award, Drama Desk Award, and the 1998 MacArthur Fellowship. She has also received the ATHE Lifetime Achievement Award and the Galbut Award for Outstanding Faculty.

Zimmerman integrates students into her professional projects, including international collaborations at the Prague Quadrennial, and has taught courses such as Performance of Poetry, Performance Art, and Staging the Unusual. She has held guest lectureships at institutions including Harvard, Princeton, and UC Berkeley.