Emmy Noether (1882-1935) was one of the most influential mathematicians of the last century. Her works and teachings left a lasting mark on modern algebra, opening new avenues for a new structural perspective in mathematics. Noether was also one of the first women to gain the right to teach at a German university. She acquired that certification (Habilitation) on June 4, 1919, after submitting a thesis in which she solved one of the central problems in Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

To celebrate the centenary of this event and the career of a unique personality in the history of mathematics, the ensemble portraittheater Vienna has produced a biographical play, directed by Sandra Schüddekopf. This play opened on June 4, 2019 at the Free University of Berlin under the title Mathematische Spaziergänge mit Emmy Noether (Mathematical Walks with Emmy Noether). Based on historical documents and events, the play was written in cooperation with the historians Mechthild Koreuber and David E. Rowe. The English-language version has been produced and performed in Europe and is on tour in North America during the Fall of 2022.

Portraittheater is a Viennese theatre ensemble that focuses on extraordinary persons, especially women, and brings their life and work to the stage. The company produced various plays since 2006 about Hannah Arendt, Simone de Beauvoir, Bertha von Suttner, Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, Hedy Lamarr, and others. Portraittheater has been invited for guest performances in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

Sponsored by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics with support from the Office of the Dean of the Faculty. Co-sponsored by German Studies, History, Physics, and the Science, Technology, and Society Program.