Artist Turns Trauma into Powerful "Papercuts" Performance

Dr Prathiba Batley, founder of Eyakkam Dance Theatre in Huddersfield, has created a powerful performance titled "1,000 Papercuts." This show utilizes dance, spoken word, and music to address themes of surviving sexual violence and harassment, drawing from Batley's own experiences. The performance artfully combines traditional Indian dance, Bharatanatyam, with contemporary elements like playing the cajón drum, aiming to break down stereotypes and give a voice to those often silenced.

Batley describes the process of bringing "1,000 Papercuts" to life as a "difficult labour of love," which is both cathartic and profoundly challenging due to the reliving of trauma. The performance is intended to foster understanding of the issues depicted on stage and encourage audiences to consider actionable steps. Eyakkam Dance Theatre's mission extends beyond mere physical movement, functioning as a social movement to tackle pressing issues of social justice.

The show, co-produced by Lawrence Batley Theatre, has received funding from Arts Council England. Batley collaborated with mental health professionals and a local women's centre to ensure the presentation is impactful yet sensitive to potential triggers. The performance concludes with a Q&A session designed to connect attendees with local mental health charities and support services, empowering them with resources.

"1,000 Papercuts" is scheduled for a performance at York University on Saturday, October 28th. Batley aims to tour the show further and adapt it into the Tamil language to reach a broader audience, thereby increasing participation and fostering relationships between audiences and community services. The ultimate goal is to translate the impact of the performance into ongoing activism and positive change in daily life.