SYNOPSIS

In this talk, the German director Thomas Ostermeier, one of the leading figures of contemporary world theatre, reflects on how sociology directly influences his theatrical work—from artistic approach to the themes he chooses. For him, the question of class belonging is a fundamental source of inspiration for dramatic situations and specific character constellations within a play. A perspective shaped by social science opened the German director’s eyes to the works of Henrik Ibsen.

Beyond all symbolic and psychological elements, Ibsen’s characters are always situated very concretely within specific social and economic conditions. The pursuit of social status and the fear of losing it are recurring and decisive motivating factors for them. This perspective runs through Ostermeier’s work in productions such as Nora, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, and, more recently, The Wild Duck.

In this context, a series of encounters shaped him: while studying at the Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch in East Berlin, sociologist Wolfgang Engler introduced him to the writings of Theodor W. Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Norbert Elias, Michel Foucault, and Pierre Bourdieu. This taught Ostermeier to understand society as something historically developed. Later, the personal story of Didier Eribon—about rising from a deeply proletarian background to a position within the academic bourgeoisie—resonated strongly with him. He also maintains a close working relationship and friendship with Édouard Louis, with whom he collaborates on several projects, including the productions presented at MITsp: History of Violence and Who Killed My Father.