Team
Prof. Dr. Mariama Diagne – Project Head
Prof. Dr. Mariama Diagne is a trained dancer and dance researcher. Since 2024, she has held the Professorship for Dance Studies and Performance at the Institute for Theatre Studies at Ludwig-Maximilans-University in Munich (LMU). Mit Re-Lektüren der Kulturgeschichte widmet sie sich tanzwissenschaftlich den Verfahren eines diasporischen Schreibens im Kanon der Künste, ihrer Verfremdungen und gesellschaftlichen Neu/Verortungen. Dramaturgisch wie kuratorisch begleitet sie international Kunstschaffende in Performance und Text. Mit Blick auf transmoderne Zusammenhänge in der Tanz- und Bewegungsforschung leitet sie an der LMU die Emmy Noether Nachwuchsforschungsgruppe „MeerMenschen zwischen Mythos, Alltag und Nachleben – Tanzwissenschaftliche Perspektiven des Transfluiden“ (DFG 2025-2021).
contact: m.diagne@lmu.de
[Read detailed project description]
Isabel Kwarteng-Acheampong, M.A. – Research Assistant
is a phd candidate at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich. Her research within the DFG project "MerFolk between myth, the everyday and afterlife – dance studies perspectives on transfluidity“ focuses on the empowerment processes of BIPoC and gender-diverse individuals in the performing arts. Previously, Isabel worked in various social and cultural institutions as a consultant for diversity, anti-discrimination, and empowering educational work, as well as a performer. Her artistic and academic practice combines intersectional perspectives with somatic bodywork and performative methods. Internationally, Isabel works on projects that uplift queer BIPoC and foster solidarity-based, anti-discriminatory structures within artistic institutions.
Contact: I.Kwarteng@lmu.de
[Read detailed project description]
Selia Marina Fischer – Research Assistant
Selia Marina Fischer is an assistant researcher and phd candidate at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich within the DFG-project „MerFolk between myth, the everyday and afterlife – dance studies perspectives on transfluidity“. In her research, she explores the performative and media representation of merfolk as figures of difference. Her focus lies particularly on cinematic imaginaries and movement research through the embodied practice of scuba diving. With a background in cultural studies in Hildesheim, Marseille, and Vienna, she also works as an independent art mediator and dives in lakes, rivers, swimming pools, and the ocean.
contact: selia.fischer@lmu.de
[Read detailed project description]
Maya Nikolov – Student Research Assistant
Maya Nikolov studies Theatre Studies at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich as well as Painting and Graphic Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich. She works as student research assistant in the field of Dance and Performance Studies at LMU Munich under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Mariama Diagne and is involved in the DFG project “MerFolk between myth, the everyday and afterlife. Dance studies perspectives on transfluidity.”
contact: maya.nikolov@campus.lmu.de