Hundreds of students, faculty and staff filled the seats of the Spingold Theater Center to experience a unique performance of a revolutionary mathematician. “Diving into Math with Emmy Noether” is a dynamic play celebrating the life and achievements of mathematician and role model Emmy Noether (1882-1935). Sponsored by the Brandeis Math Department, Division of Science and the National Science Foundation, this play gave the audience an insider perspective of how Noether navigated hardship and discrimination she faced throughout her life. The play is produced by Austrian ensemble portraittheater Vienna and German research university Freie Universität Berlin, and it brings Noether’s fascinating personality to life. 

I spoke with Jonathan Touboul, Professor of Mathematics and chair of the department to learn more about bringing this performance to Brandeis.

“I wanted to have this event […] because [Emmy Noether is] an example of courage and determination,” said Touboul.

Touboul noted the importance of events like these to invite everyone who “may not think science is for them.” He continued, “we show that science is for everyone, and that even if you have obstacles on your way, courage, talent and hard work will help you succeed.”

Emmy Noether is one of the most influential mathematicians of the last century. Her work influenced many areas of math and physics. She also discovered foundational theorems in fields such as abstract algebra, group theory and number theory.

She is often seen as a role model for minorities in the wake of discrimination in STEM and academia, having been able to overcome many obstacles she faced as a Jewish woman in Germany in the early 20th century. This play shared Noether’s influence to mathematics in a welcoming way, without being intimidating to anyone.

As a Jewish woman in Germany, Noether was barred from numerous positions throughout her life. She began her studies at a time when women were only beginning to break through the barriers that prevented them from entering the doors of German universities. During her studies as a lecturer in Göttingen, she was removed by the Nazis in 1933 and fled to the United States.

Beyond Noether’s experiences in Germany, this event highlighted the broader issue of discrimination in academia. I also spoke with Becci Torrey, Professor of Mathematics and chair of the math diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) committee and asked her to speak about the importance of events like this that highlight diversity. 

“I think it’s widely understood that the lack of diverse role models in any subject perpetuates existing inequities,” said Torrey. She also noted the role that Brandeis plays in advancing diversity in academia. “It’s a lot better than it was 20 or 30 years ago,” she added. “And so this opportunity to really showcase this person who was just an absolutely, incredibly influential mathematician who had these identities as well as really a great opportunity,” she continued.

I asked Touboul and Torrey what stuck out to them from the performance. “It was striking and disturbing to see how [Noether] couldn’t continue in Germany. Her work [was] so important, and she had to leave for her own safety,” Torrey responded.

They both emphasized Noether’s talent and influence as a mathematician, but they also were struck by Noether’s courage and the value she put on family. “[The play] gives a true dimension to her life of not being just this amazing mathematician, and also this image of courage … She was deeply attached to her family, to the point of taking risks for a life when she returned to Germany to save her family from the Nazis,” said Touboul.

Finally, I asked Touboul and Torrey how they see the future of interdisciplinary experiences in the math department.

Touboul highlighted MATH/MUS 121B, a cross-listed course in the math and music departments, and hopes to continue creating similar courses. He hopes these experiences become more frequent, “so we can train undergraduates to be complete intellectuals, with knowledge of literature, but also interests in sciences, taking full advantage of a liberal arts institution like Brandeis.”

“It’s just really nice to bring other people into math and to help other people see the beauty of it,” Torrey added.

As we look towards the future of higher education and academia, events such as these are of utmost importance to highlight all identities and inspire the future generations of scholars.