Oxford Kafka 2024: Program

10 May – 27 October 2024

The University of Oxford is hosting a programme of events and activities across the city celebrating the literary works and enduring global legacy of Franz Kafka and mark the centenary anniversary of the author’s untimely death.

Exhibition

Kafka: Making of an Icon

30 May – 27 October

Weston Library, Oxford

„Kafka: Making of an Icon“ marks the 100th anniversary of the author’s death, celebrating not only his achievements and creativity but also how he continues to inspire new literary, theatrical and cinematic creations around the world.

The exhibition will feature materials from the archives of the Bodleian Libraries, which hold the majority of Franz Kafka's papers, including literary notebooks, drawings, diaries, letters, postcards, glossaries, and photographs.

Special events

Oxford Reads Kafka

Monday 3 June, 6–7.30pm

Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford

A collective public reading of Metamorphosis by literary figures, civic leaders and University academics and students, come and reflect on the themes of Metamorphosis and celebrate the power of Kafka’s voice today.

Jitterbug

31 May – 2 June

University Parks, Oxford

Step into the Jitterbug tent and lose yourself in Gregor Samsa's bizarre and fantastical world! Inspired by Kafka's timeless Metamorphosis, Jitterbug stands as a marvel of transformation and discovery.

Presented by The Cultural Programme and Trigger

Performances

Kafka's Ape and Words and Music 

10–12 May

Old Fire Station, Oxford

Two theatre productions, „Kafka's Ape“ and „Words and Music“ presented by The Oxford Research Centre In The Humanities, TORCH.

These two award-winning shows translate Kafka's dark parable of un-belonging for the modern day. This will be Kafka as you've never seen or heard him before.

Arthur Pita's: A Hunger Artist

3–5 June

Old Fire Station, Oxford

Director-choreographer Arthur Pita reunites with dance virtuoso Edward Watson and composer-musician extraordinaire Frank Moon, this time welcoming the renowned rebel chanteuse Meow Meow.  

Together, they delve into Kafka’s final and seminal work with a new adaptation of „A Hunger Artist“, seamlessly intertwining dance, song, and intrigue into an enthralling, immersive spectacle.  

Produced by the Oxford Cultural Programme in association with The Royal Ballet and Oxford Kafka Research Centre.

Books

• „Metamorphoses: In Search of Franz Kafka“ by Dr Karolina Watroba will be published in May 2024.

• „Kafka: Making of an Icon“ edited by Ritchie Robertson to accompany the exhibition of the same name at the Weston Library, published May 2024. 

There will also be an accompanying programme of talks, music concerts and an academic conference.

The full programme can be found at: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-03-04-oxford-kafka-2024