0–12 September 2026
Location: TBC, University of Cambridge
The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics is pleased to host a two-day interdisciplinary workshop exploring the theme of play in German-language literary texts from 1750 to the present.
Bringing together scholars from across disciplines, the workshop invites participants to engage critically with the concept of play and its evolving meanings across literary, cultural, and philosophical contexts. While discussions of play can be traced back to Plato and Aristotle, this event is particularly interested in the legacy of post-Enlightenment thought and the long nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in shaping contemporary understandings of the ludic.
The programme examines play across a range of themes and media, including aesthetic theory, politics and society, games of chance, childhood and material culture, literature, theatre, and media studies. Alongside panel discussions, the workshop will feature keynote lectures and opportunities for informal discussion.
The event also speaks to contemporary debates beyond literary studies, including questions surrounding the increasing role of AI technologies in education and the workplace, and the cultural and economic significance of videogames today. We anticipate interest from both academic and non-academic audiences.
Programme Highlights
Thursday, 10 September 2026
- Welcome keynote lecture
Friday, 11 September 2026
- Panel I – Theories of Play
- Panel II – Play, Politics & Society
- Panel III – Games of Chance
- Keynote lecture
- Conference dinner
Saturday, 12 September 2026
- Panel IV – Childhood & Material Play
- Panel V – Literature & Play
- Panel VI – Theatre & Media
- Closing keynote and concluding discussion
- Conference dinner
A detailed programme is available below.
Location and practical information: Further details will be announced soon.