Evelyn Torton Beck fled Austria with her family at the age of five and went on to become a pioneering scholar of women’s and gender studies in the United States. Throughout her distinguished career, she has challenged antisemitism, homophobia, sexism, and other forms of discrimination through her teaching, writing, and public engagement. Her work bridges scholarship and the arts, reflected in publications such as Nice Jewish Girls: A Lesbian Anthology and her research on the healing power of art in the lives of Franz Kafka and Frida Kahlo. Her book Kafka and the Yiddish Theater: Its Impact on his Work transformed Kafka studies as well.

The documentary Never in My Wildest Dreams traces Beck’s journey from a child refugee fleeing Nazi Austria to an internationally recognized scholar, author, and advocate for social justice. Produced in 2021 on the occasion of her honorary doctorate from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, the film highlights her lifelong commitment to building a better world. Guided by her motto, “I live to give something positive,” Beck continues to inspire through her work in creative longevity, education, and Sacred Circle Dance.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Evelyn Torton Beck.

The film is in German with English subtitles.

When: June 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Where: Embassy of Austria, 3524 International Court, Washington DC, 20008