18th Symposium of the International Brecht Society
Brecht in the Anthropocene
University of Victoria
BC, Canada
22-26 July 2026

The 18th Symposium of the International Brecht Society explores how Brecht’s writings, aesthetics, and theatre methods can help address the ecological crises of the Anthropocene. It asks how Brechtian concepts such as Verfremdung, Gestus, de-naturalization, and political theatre might offer tools for climate-conscious art, activism, and critique. At the same time, the symposium critically examines the term Anthropocene itself, especially its tendency to obscure colonialism, capitalism, environmental injustice, and Indigenous perspectives. Situated at the University of Victoria on unceded Lək̓ʷəŋən territory, the symposium foregrounds decolonial approaches, human/non-human relations, ecological theatre praxis, and new directions for Brechtian thought in a time of rupture.

Symposium Registration

Here is the link to register for the Symposium.

This link gets you to a dropdown menu with different registration options, all payments are in Canadian dollars:

Regular registration                                         $200

Regular registration + reception gala dinner           $250

Reduced registration rate                               $100

Reduced registration rate + reception gala dinner  $150

If you submitted a partner or group proposal please be sure that ALL members in your group register for the conference, as this message may not go out to everyone. If you are delivering a remote presentation you must still register for the conference as a participant at the reduced rate ($100 CAD).

Workshops Registration

Here is also a link to register for the workshops that we are offering. These are all free of charge, but require registration via the online form.

Workshop descriptions are included in the online form for your reference.

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Program and Schedule

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Travel and UVic Campus Information

The University of Victoria is located on the traditional lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. Specifically, it is located on the ancestral land of the Lekwungen family group, Checkonien and Sungayka village. According to Cheryl Bryce of the Songhees Nation, the site “was known for camas harvesting, trading and cultural and spiritual practices.”

Getting Here: By Air

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located approximately 30 minutes from the University of Victoria. Flights arrive daily from across Canada, the US, and Europe. In general, it is most cost efficient and convenient to fly into Victoria (rather than Vancouver or Seattle), unless you are coming from those areas or have other reasons to stop there during your trip.

For getting to and from the airport, we recommend the YYJ Airport Shuttle; you may need to call and confirm a shuttle spot or time. The cost is $25 CAD for one adult; less if you are traveling in a group of two or more. Specific fares and schedules can be found on their website. A taxi to downtown Victoria hotels from the airport will cost approximately $60 CAD.

Float plane service is available from Vancouver (Harbour Air) and Seattle (Kenmore Air) to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Helicopter service between Vancouver and Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour is also available (HeliJet).

Getting Here: By Ground

From Vancouver: Pacific Coach offers a bus service between downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Airport and downtown Victoria 3 times/day. This trip involves taking the ferry from Tsawwassen on the mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Once your bus has driven on to the ferry, you are free to wander the ship, get a snack and relax.

BC Transit provides affordable and convenient bus transportation throughout Victoria. Bus fare can be purchased prior to use via the UMO Mobility App on your phone or via the UMO website.

Taxi service and Uber are also widely available throughout Victoria.

Getting Here: By Sea

There are regular ferries from Vancouver and Seattle to Victoria. For more information, visit BC Ferries or Clipper Ferry. The ferry from Vancouver docks in Swartz Bay, approximately 40 minutes by ground travel from the University or downtown. The Clipper Ferry from Seattle arrives at the Inner Harbour downtown, about 20 minutes by ground from the University.

CLICK HERE for a UVic Campus Map

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18th IBS Symposium Organizing Committee:

Micha Braun, University of Leipzig (Germany)

Stephen Brockmann, Carnegie Mellon University (USA)

Joerg Esleben, University of Ottawa (Canada)

Kristopher Imbrigotta, University of Puget Sound (USA)

Abhilash Pillai, National School of Drama (India)

Elena Pnevmonidou, University of Victoria (Canada)

Marc Silberman, University of Wisconsin (USA)

Stefan Soldovieri, University of Toronto (Canada)

Anthony Squiers, American Musical and Dramatic Academy (USA)

Markus Wessendorf, University of Hawaii (USA)

The organizers wish to thank the following for their support and collaborations:

The University of Victoria

The University of Puget Sound

The University of Toronto

International Brecht Society  

German Life and Letters

Neworld Theatre

DEFA Film Library