Master Programme in Performing Arts as Critical Practice

The programme brings together innovative performing arts practices with critical reflection and promotes expertise in initiating and building new alliances and arenas both within and outside existing structures. It aims to educate artists who can engage imaginatively with urgent social and political challenges and will take an active role in shaping current developments in the performing arts field and research. 

The. students engage in embodied and embedded practices of criticality, with the understanding that live performance is inevitably relational. They are encouraged to explore how an art practice can impact and reshape the contexts it is part of.
The programme offers a supportive structure to create the fundamental conditions for research and experimentation. with a collaborative peer focus. 

Current cohort started in September 2025. Next application period opens in Autumn 2026.

Curriculum 

Next to the ongoing artistic experimentation and work, the curriculum comprisesof a range of theoretical frameworks and ethical reflections, as well as writing, fieldwork, and an introduction to artistic methods and processes. The study trajectory is shaped by the research questions and needs of the students. The teaching is executed collaboratively, dialogue-based and focuses on cooperation and reflection. Feedback sessions with peers and supervisors are an important part of the education. 

 Recent and current artists, curators and theoreticians our students have worked with include are ,Ida Bencke, Tanja Hylling Diers, Mustafa Dikec, Karmenlara Ely, Eleonora Fabião, Ehsan Fardjadniya, Va-Bene Fiatsi, Ingri Midgard Fiksdal, John Hanse, Laura Harris, Helgard Haug, Tuva Hildebrand, Bojana Kunst, Stefanos Levidis, Sonya Lindfors, Kate Marsh, Florian Malzacher, Felicia Mulinari, MUTSUMINEIRO, Terry O’Connor, Rosa Omarsdottir, Sahar Ramini, Daniel Belasco Rogers, Keyvan Sarreshteh, Nassim Soleimanpour, Iury Salustiano Trojaborg, Arkadi Zaides, Wojtek Ziemilski 

 In the second year, each student develops their final project in close collaboration with one or more partner organization(s). There is a flexibility in certain periods to work independently at other locations. 

The studies include processes of learning and unlearning in an inspiring and supportive environment and prepare the students to be open and responsive to changing situations. At the same time, students develop skills for planning and carrying out complex, sensitive processes of creating artistic work with partners and communities. 

Beyond the MA 

In addition to developing and expanding their artistic practices, the students’ professional opportunities are enhanced regarding teaching, curating, extended art practice and social practice. A focus on critical theory and artistic research prepares them to pursue a PhD or to teach in higher education. 

Studying at Malmö Theatre Academy 

During their studies the students will not only become part of a community of peers on the MA but also at the Theatre Academy and Lund University. The programme is situated in Malmö, a dynamic and diverse city near Copenhagen, and easily reachable from several other European cities. This gives students access and chances to broaden their international performing arts network and create new affinities.  

This visionary programme will prepare students of the performing arts to engage aesthetically, critically, and institutionally with the most important social issues of our time. It offers a brilliant and timely course of study.