Prathiba Batley is a three-time Indian National Champion in Bharatanatyam, and a Doris Duke Foundation Dance/USA Fellow. Her company Eyakkam Dance Theatre is based in Huddersfield, building on more than two decades of artistic work by Prathiba in the United States. Its purpose is to make socially engaged dance theatre rooted in South Asian art forms, challenge stereotypes and widen access to both artistic participation and representation.
Prathiba’s previous work includes Caste Away, Kuravanji and a short film Dirty Secrets. Dirty Secrets has received 25 international awards and over 300K views online. It is the starting point for Prathiba’s latest piece, 1000 Papercuts.
1000 Papercuts is Prathiba’s autobiographical solo dance-theatre performance about sexual violence, the accumulation of everyday violations, and the reclamation of voice and bodily autonomy. It brings together South Asian dance, theatre, martial arts, music, spoken word and live percussion to explore silence, shame, survival and healing. Intimate and emotionally direct, the work offers a safe space to explore ideas around sexual violence against women. 1000 Papercuts is available in English and Tamil versions, with the option to present the show for a women-only audience.
Upcoming tour dates:
28 October University of York
