Psychoanalysis engages with the inner workings of the human being – love, loss, grief, anger, envy, guilt, mourning, and the longing for repair and renewal. These emotional truths are also at the heart of Shakespeare’s drama, which continues to touch us across the centuries.

Freud, whose favorite author was Shakespeare, saw in his work a guide to the unconscious. This seminar series explores how psychoanalytic thinking and Shakespeare’s drama meet, uncovering timeless insights about human suffering, desire, and change.

Seminar Structure
Each seminar focuses on one of Shakespeare’s works. A psychoanalytically informed paper (in English) will be read aloud and discussed, with particular attention to how the play is used to explore central psychoanalytic themes. Participants are asked to read or watch the play in advance. The following materials will be provided: A character map, A summary of the play, The seminar paper in its entirety, Notes on relevant psychoanalytic concepts.