Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, the theme "Critical spirit, audacity, resistance" is being promoted by the University of Liège.
In this context, the University of Liège welcomes Thomas Ostermeier for a lecture entitled"A sociological perspective on theater".
Thomas Ostermeier will explain how a sociologically trained perspective on society directly influences his theatre work and artistic approach to plays and themes. For Ostermeier, the question of class affiliation provides is a key source of inspiration when it comes to dramatic situations and the specific constellations of characters in a play.
A sociologically trained perspective opened Ostermeier's approach to the plays of Henrik Ibsen. In addition to all the symbolic, general psychological elements, Ibsen's characters are always very concretely situated in specific social and economic situations. Achieving social status and the fear of losing it are recurring and decisive motivating factors for them. This point of view runs through Ostermeier's examination of plays such as ‘Nora’, ‘Hedda Gabler’, ‘The Master Builder’ and, most recently, ‘The Wild Duck’.
In this context, a series of encounters profoundly influenced Ostermeier: while studying at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in East Berlin, the sociologist Wolfgang Engler introduced him to the writings of Adorno, Horkheimer, Norbert Elias, Foucault and Bourdieu. This taught Ostermeier to understand society as something that has developed historically. Later, it was Didier Eribon's personal story of working his way up from a very proletarian background to a position in the academic bourgeoisie that Ostermeier could very much relate to. He also has a close working relationship and friendship with Édouard Louis, with whom he repeatedly collaborates on projects.
During this conference-meeting, Thomas Ostermeier will discuss his work with Rachel Brahy, lecturer at the ULiège Faculty of Social Sciences and scientific coordinator of the Maison des sciences de l'Homme.
During the lecture, Prof. Anne-Sophie Nyssen, Rector of the University of Liège, will present Thomas Ostermeier with an honorary doctorate.
Lecture in French.
At the end of the lecture, a "verre de l'amitié" will be offered to all.
Discover the "théâtre contemporain : changer de registre" dossier in Le Quinzième Jour
La soirée se prolongera au Théâtre de Liège pour la première du spectacle Bucket List, en présence de Thomas Ostermeier.
A major figure in contemporary performing arts and live theater, Thomas Ostermeier is renowned for his bold, innovative approach to staging and his ability to revisit the great classical texts in the light of current socio-political issues. He offers audiences a critical reflection on our society, questioning its tensions and mutations with remarkable intensity.
MORE INFO ON Thomas Ostermeier
This meeting is part of ULiège's Grandes conférences universitaires, open to both the university community and the general public.
More info on ULiège's major university conferences
ULiège Communication Service
communication@uliege.be - +32 (0)4 366 52 18
Join ULiège Alumni in Montreal on April 19, 2026 for a 5 à 7 of exchanges, meetings with the University delegation, and strengthened connections with the community based in Canada.
