PhD Studentship

The research project investigates women’s creative work in the 19^th century through a series of case studies of the theatre cultures of Britain, Ireland, Australia, France, and India. The project investigates women’s transnational networks of creative and intellectual work.

This funded PhD studentship is part of the UKRI-funded project WomenTheatreNet. It focuses on the central research question: What would a history of 19^th century theatre look like if women’s creative work were placed at its centre? The project looks at women’s writing, as well as performance and management.

The project investigates women’s creative work in the long 19^th century (both Romantic and Victorian) through a series of case studies of the theatrical cultures of Britain, Ireland, Australia, France, and India. It makes visible transnational female-centred networks of creative and intellectual work.

The project team, including the Doctoral student, will analyse the conditions of women’s literary and theatrical work as a form of cultural citizenship, within practices of exchange, circulation, translation, and adaptation, in mainstream commercial theatre, translation, and amateur performance.

The project is interdisciplinary and draws on women’s creative work more broadly, as well the material cultures of women’s literature, performance and art.

Doctoral projects might range from a focus on textual editing, through to practice as research in women’s performance, historical discovery, or critical interpretation. 

There will be funded opportunities for conference attendance and publication as part of the project, as well as international networking and collaboration.

Applicants should set out a research proposal which would contribute to the overall project in their chosen area. An extended summary of the project is available from Professor Newey via email. Applicants are strongly advised to contact Professor Newey for an informal discussion about research proposals. 

For more information about the project and informal enquiries, please contact:

Primary Supervisor: Professor Kate Newey, k.m.newey@exeter.ac.uk

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