PhD Candidate

– What are the most important aspects of your job?

A central part of my work involves developing my full PhD proposal, which is a key requirement within the first year of doctoral study in New Zealand. This process is giving me an in‑depth understanding of New Zealand theater history, Ibsen’s performance history in the country, and the broader patterns of his reception.

The most significant aspect of my research is analyzing the localized versions of Ibsen’s plays that have emerged in New Zealand. These theater adaptations hold an important place in the country’s theater history, and my work focuses on examining these versions to understand their cultural and historical significance.

– What do you like most about your job?

I always feel very lucky and excited about the opportunity to conduct research on Ibsen plays within the context of New Zealand theater, a field where his presence has been historically significant yet remains underexplored academically. After graduating from the Centre for Ibsen Studies, I was looking for a PhD opportunity that would allow me to continue my work in Ibsen Studies. Through exploring the possibilities of researching Ibsen across different cultures and examining the history of New Zealand theater, I realized that focusing on Ibsen in this context offers a unique and fascinating perspective. This realization and excitement ultimately brought me here.

Every day I feel motivated and proud knowing that I am working in an area that is significantly underexamined, and that I am the first person to research on this material. This feeling helps reduce my academic stress and keeps me inspired to continue. My supervisors, who are leading theater scholars in New Zealand, play an important role in this journey. We work as a team, and I always feel proud and happy collaborating with them. I particularly enjoy our supervision meetings, where we discuss new dimensions and findings related to Ibsen’s influence and reception in New Zealand. Their insight and encouragement enlighten me greatly.

– In what ways are the studies that you have undertaken at the Centre for Ibsen Studies/Faculty of Humanities relevant to your job?

My master’s degree is directly connected to every aspect of my doctoral work. The center played a crucial role in shaping my academic growth, guiding me from being a student to becoming a confident PhD candidate. The knowledge and skills I gained there are deeply relevant and essential to my current research. The coursework I completed, along with the hands‑on experience of writing my master’s thesis, continues to prove invaluable in supporting and strengthening my doctoral studies.

– What is the best tip for students who are thinking about job opportunities after graduation?

Determination, planning, and preparation are key to success. It is important to know your goal early and start preparing for it while you are still studying, not after you finish your degree. The two years of a master’s program should be used not only to complete the degree but also to build the skills, networks, and confidence needed to pursue your career goals. Secondly, be open minded to embrace new opportunities. Finally, don’t be afraid of rejections. Rejections often redirect you toward a new and better path.

For those who are considering a PhD, it is crucial to choose a research area that you are genuinely passionate about. A PhD is an intensive research journey that requires deep interest and sustained motivation. When you truly care about your topic, the journey feels less exhausting and more like a meaningful search for hidden treasures beneath the surface.

– What is your favorite Ibsen work and why?

I have always been fond of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. I was first fascinated by the play when I read it during my bachelor’s studies in my early twenties. That early interest eventually led me to the Centre for Ibsen Studies to pursue my master’s degree, where I wrote my thesis on this play. I worked on Tanika Gupta’s 2019 adaptation of A Doll’s House, and I still remain deeply interested and fascinated by modern reinterpretations of the play. Because of these reasons, A Doll’s House will always be very special and dear to me.

Read more Career Interviews