The Paul Drude Institute for Solid State Electronics (PDI) in Berlin is pleased to announce that actor and playwright Mary Kelly has been selected as the 2024 PDI Artist-in-Residence. This marks the inaugural year of PDI's Artist-in-Residence Program, which offers a unique opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in the scientific process, collaborate with researchers, and access cutting-edge nanotechnology facilities at one of the world’s leading institutes in semiconductor technology.
Mary Kelly, a graduate of The Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, has been living and working in Berlin since 2011. With a distinguished career in theatre, TV, film, and radio, Mary has gained international recognition for her plays Unraveling the Ribbon and Two for a Girl. Most recently, she starred in a production of Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days at the English Theatre Berlin, directed by long-time Beckett collaborator, Walter Asmus.
Reflecting on her upcoming residency, Mary expressed her excitement: “This residency is a uniquely Berlin story—a prestigious scientific institute opening its doors to a theatre-maker, united by a shared willingness to experiment. The creative process transcends disciplines; it’s a common human experience that requires vulnerability, trust, and an open mind. I see this residency as an experiment that reaches beyond our respective worlds, and that’s exciting.”
Mary’s passion for exploring new territories through her work is evident. She described her attraction to the residency at PDI: “I have immense respect for any organization outside the arts world that values and understands the impact of the arts. PDI demonstrates this by offering such a rare and well-supported opportunity. My previous residencies with the Irish Cancer Society and Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre led to two published plays. This is a dream for any artist—new territory to explore. I come with a blank page and an open mind.”
Dr. Carsten Hucho, Head of Department Technology and Transfer at PDI, welcomed Mary to the program: “We are thrilled to have Mary Kelly join us as our first Artist-in-Residence. Science is often seen as complex and out of reach, just as theatre can be perceived as exclusive. Yet both are universal languages. An artist has the unique ability to interpret and project scientific concepts in a way that can inspire and engage others.”
PDI Director Prof. Dr. Roman Engel-Herbert echoed this enthusiasm: “It’s exciting to see an actor and playwright chosen as PDI’s first Artist-in-Residence. This collaboration opens new avenues for communicating science, inspiring the public, and reaching entirely new audiences. I’m looking forward to seeing this residency unfold and exploring new ways to engage with the community.”
To ensure the highest quality experience for both the artist and the institute, the residency will now begin in December 2024 and run through February 2025, culminating in a public performance or presentation.
Stay updated on Mary Kelly’s residency by visiting PDI’s website or following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, or Mastodon.
About PDI
The Paul-Drude-Institut für Festkörperelektronik (PDI), located in Berlin, Germany, is a leading research institute specializing in both fundamental and applied research at the intersection of materials science, condensed matter physics, and device engineering. With a particular focus on low-dimensional semiconductor structures, PDI's mission is to inspire and demonstrate new functionalities for future technologies.