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• Absence in Theatre

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• Ontology of Absence

  2015.01

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Published Papers 【 display / non-display 】

• Creating a New English: Performance and Creative Writing in EFL Education

  Sylwia Dobkowska, Meghan Kuckelman

  欧米文化論集   ( 70 ) 1 - 18   2026.03 [ Peer Review Accepted ]

  Type of publication: Research paper (bulletin of university, research institution)

  　View Summary

  This article makes a case for the inclusion of creative writing and performance as necessary and vital parts of university-level EFL curricula. Not only has creative work been shown to have beneficial impacts on both motivation and proficiency in foreign languages, but it also offers ways for students to assert their own identities, cultures, and personalities in opposition to the native speaker bias. Further, the article argues that there is a current lack of resources available for instructors who wish to include creative work as all or part of their EFL syllabi. It ultimately proposes the development of a textbook of creative EFL work that joins poetry, fiction, and performance.

• A nuanced cultural dimension of beauty in Japan, seen through yaeba and ohaguro.

  Journal of Face Aesthetics     2026.03 [ Peer Review Accepted ]

  Type of publication: Research paper (scientific journal)

• Okinawan Absence: Ma in Kumiodori.

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  Theatre Research International ( Cambridge University Press )  49 ( 3 ) 265 - 279   2025.01 [ Peer Review Accepted ]

  Type of publication: Research paper (scientific journal)

  　View Summary

  Abstract This article considers the Okinawan aesthetic of Kumiodori and the role of absence in making a performance. There are two case studies of Kumiodori performances selected for this article, both written by the maker of this theatre style – Tamagusuku Chōkun. I watched both performances of Kōkō no Maki and Nidō Tekiuchi in the National Theatre in Okinawa. I discuss the concept of absence, described as ma (間), through the theory and the interpretation of those performances. The article begins with a brief outline of Kumiodori and the cultural context of the Ryukyu Kingdom, followed by description of the concept of ma in literature, live performance and the culture in general. Finally, two case studies are introduced. The article aims to present an example of the Okinawan version of ma in theatre.

  • Access this article

    DOI

• The Absence of Time: Jerzy Limon’s Philosophy of Time and the “Fifth Dimension” in Theatre

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  On time. Essays in Honour of Professor Jerzy Limon ( University of Gdansk Press )    103 - 123   2023.05 [ Peer Review Accepted ]

  Type of publication: Research paper (scientific journal)

• Japanese Theatre: Creative Learning

  Włostowski M, et al. edited by Dobkowska S

  Silva Iaponicarum     2022.10 [ Peer Review Accepted ]

  Type of publication: Research paper (scientific journal)

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• Performance of Absence in Theatre, Performance and Visual Art

  Sylwia Dobkowska ( Part: Single Author )

  Routledge  2022.01

  　View Summary

  This research project investigates the concepts of absence across the disciplines of theatre, visual art, and performance. Absence in the centre of an ideology frees the reader from the dominant meaning. The book encourages active engagement with theatre theory and performances. Reconsideration of theories and experiences changes the way we engage with performances, as well as social relations and traditions outside of theatre. Sylwia Dobkowska examines and theorises absence and presence through theatre, performance, and visual arts practices. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of theatre, visual art, and philosophy.

• Włodzimierz Staniewski and the Phenomenon of “Gardzienice”

  Editors: S. E. Gontarski, Tomasz Wiśniewski, Katarzyna Kręglewska (Sylwia Dobkowska - Translator) ( Part: Joint Translation )

  Routledge  2022.01

• Justitia: Multidisciplinary Approaches to the work of Jasmin Vardimon Company

  Paul Johnson, Sylwia Dobkowska ( Part: Joint Editing and Writing )

  Intellect Books  2016.06

  　View Summary

  This book offers a series of compelling responses to the Jasmin Vardimon Company’s production of Justitia, a multilayered, multimedia dance theatre piece. Through an innovative, visually annotated text, which includes the original script by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the book attempts to record the experience of the performance. Also included are nine critical responses from scholars and theatrical practitioners who consider the performance through lenses relating to time, collaboration, writing, confession and the law.

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• Separate Yet Together: The Twelfth International Between.Pomiędzy Festival of Literature and Theatre

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  The Theatre Times     2021.06  [Refereed]

   

• Japanese Theatre – Resource Pack

  Sylwia Dobkowska, Szymon Gredzuk

  Between.Pomiędzy Education     2021.05  [Refereed]

   

• Kosmopolis – The Between.Pomiędzy Festival of Literature and Theatre

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  The Theatre Times     2020.05  [Refereed]

   

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Presentations 【 display / non-display 】

• 効果的なプレゼンテーション 演劇学の視点

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  English Education  (沖縄県立芸術大学)  2025.05  -  2025.05 

• ‘Art as a means to innovate and instigate change in the university context.’ Focus Group Discussion – Defining core concepts for the University of the Future.

  Sylwia Dobkowska, Meghan Kuckelman, Naoko Uchima

  ryudai+C International forum on innovative & creative university education  2025.02  -  2025.02 

• Immersive Art Exhibitions

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  Decolonizing Futures, Transforming an Era of Environmental Catastrophe, Poverty, Hatred, Discrimination and Violence into an Era of Hope  (Meio University)  2024.07  -  2024.07 

• British Theatre and Media

  Sylwia Dobkowska

  Media English  (University of the Ryukyus)  2024.05  -  2024.05 

• AMA – dancing womanhood across the liquid borders

  Sylwia Dobkowska, Szymon Gredzuk

  Theatre – Literature – Management Conference  (University of Gdańsk)  2024.05  -  2024.05 

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Academic Awards 【 display / non-display 】

Academic Awards 【 display / non-display 】

• Rector's Award of Distinction, University of Gdansk – 1st Degree

  2022.09.30   University of Gdansk  

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