Performing Embodiment, Embodying Performance

The Centre for Theatre Research at the University of Essex and East 15 Acting School invite you to an immersive and thought-provoking event that brings together performance, research and embodiment through an interdisciplinary and intercultural lens.

At the heart of the event is a workshop-performance demonstration by Dr. Rajashree Warrier, internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam artist and scholar. Her multimodal contribution serves as a springboard for a wider conversation on embodiment across performance, embodiment practices and social studies.

This event is designed for practitioners, performers, researchers and students interested in how performance and embodied practice shape our understanding of one’s creative, social and cultural self.

What is Bharatanatyam?

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu. It integrates expression (bhava), melody (raga), rhythm (tala) and dance (natyam), with rich storytelling traditions that convey emotion and meaning through movement. While rooted in ancient spiritual and narrative traditions, Bharatanatyam continues to evolve, offering fertile ground for rethinking embodiment in contemporary contexts.

Event Highlights

• Workshop-Demonstration – Dr Rajashree Warrier performs and shares how movement, expression and narrative interweave in Bharatanatyam practice.
• Interdisciplinary Panel – Scholars and practitioner-researchers from across three University of Essex departments (East 15, Literature, Fim and Theatre Studies and Essex Business School) converse with Dr Warrier and respond to her work, exploring embodiment in relation to performance studies, creative practice and sociocultural experiences.

The panel will be followed by Q&A and refreshments.

This event is curated by Dr Christina Kapadocha (East 15), Co-Director of the Centre for Theatre Research, in collaboration with Dr Shoba Arun (EBS) and Dr Mary Mazzilli (LiFTS).

Please note that the event is free but booking is essential. If you would like to attend, please register in advance.

Contributors’ details

Dr Rajashree Warrier, Bharatanatyam Artist & Scholar

Rajashree Warrier is a Bharatanatyam dancer, scholar and musician, known for her performances and scholarly approach to classical dance. Throughout her career, she has presented Bharatanatyam across India and internationally, sharing how she blends tradition with innovation and explores new dimensions in Bharatanatyam while staying rooted in its essence. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Dr Warrier is an educator, mentor and speaker, inspiring the next generation of dancers with her expertise and dedication to her art form.

Dr Shoba Arun, Essex Business School

Shoba Arun is Reader in Work and Organisation Studies at Essex Business School, and member of the Centre for Work, Organisation and Society (CWOS). Her research interests are in the area of sociology of work, gender and intersectional inequalities, with a global framework. Prior to joining Essex Business School, she was Professor of International Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University and at the University of Greenwich. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Trustee of the British Sociological Association (BSA).

Dr Christina Kapadocha, East 15 Acting School

Christina Kapadocha is a Lecturer in Movement for Acting and Research at East 15 Acting School, University of Essex and co-director of the Centre for Theatre Research. She is a London-based theatre and somatic practitioner-researcher, Registered Somatic Movement Educator and founder of Somatic Acting Process®. Christina has worked as a performer and theatre maker in Greece and the UK since 2007. Her practice research investigates embodiment through somatically inspired methodologies. Christina is the editor of Somatic Voices in Performance Research and Beyond (Routledge, 2021) and an associate editor for the Theatre, Dance and Performance Training journal. Personal website: https://christina-kapadocha.com/

Dr Mary Mazzilli, Literature, Film and Theatre Studies

Mary Mazzilli is a Senior Lecturer in Drama and Literature at University of Essex and co-director of the Centre for Theatre Research. She has an expertise in both Chinese and British drama and theatre. Before joining Essex in 2016, Mary worked at Goldsmiths College in the Theatre and Performance Department (2015-2016) and at Nanyang Technological University – Singapore (2012-2014). She is also a playwright; her plays have been staged in UK and China and have been awarded Arts Council England funding. In recent practice-based projects, Mary has focused on issues of migration and the effect of Brexit on migrant community through theatre.