Berlin Scholar Visits UMD to Explore Relationships in the Performing Arts

Assistant Professor Jenny Schrödl joined German studies and TDPS for a weeklong residency exploring how relationships are portrayed in the performing arts.

By Lauren Hargrave 

The German studies program in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) welcomed Jenny Schrödl, assistant professor of theatre and performance studies at Freie Universität Berlin, for a weeklong residency from Oct. 20–24. During her visit, she met with students and faculty for guest lectures, class visits and public talks exploring themes in contemporary theatre.

In SLLC, Schrödl presented a public lecture titled “Couples Trouble: De/Constructing Images of Relationships in the Performing Arts,” where she discussed how performances can both reflect and challenge social ideas about love and partnership. This talk explored three artist couples whose collaborative work challenges and reimagines how relationships are represented.

She also visited several German studies courses, including “Highlights of German Literature and Culture,” “Intermediate Conversation and Composition: Current Topics in German-speaking Society” and “Early German Theater.” In addition, she took part in a graduate seminar and public lecture on theories of gender and sexuality in contemporary performance art that was hosted by the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS).

A student described Schrödl’s visit as thought-provoking and inspiring. “I really enjoyed Dr. Schrödl’s lecture and was grateful that she took the time to share her research with us,” said Yesenia Montenegro, a graduate student in German studies. “The three couples she presented all performed in very different and unique ways, but she was able to draw similarities between them and highlight what made each of them significant. It provoked a lot of discussion after the lecture and introduced a new aspect of the performing arts industry.”

Reflecting on her time at Maryland, Schrödl said the exchange left a lasting impression. “Spending one week at the University of Maryland was a wonderful and inspiring experience,” she said. “Even though it was a short visit, I was impressed by the openness and knowledge of the students. I’m very thankful to the faculty and staff at UMD, especially Dr. Julie Koser, my home university FUB and the ERASMUS-worldwide program that made this possible. It was an experience that will stay with me for a very long time!”