Michelle Palmer is an interdisciplinary performance artist, human rights and climate activist, and PhD researcher in Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Galway. Equipped with an LL.M. in International Human Rights Law, a BA in Global Cultures and the Arts, and over a decade of experience in the field, she has worked in the areas of women’s and children’s rights, refugee and migrant rights, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking in persons, arts outreach, and developing consent-based cultures. She is a writer, actor/singer, dramaturg, practice-based researcher, dancer/choreographer, podcast host, and drama facilitator, incorporating these areas into her work. At the University of Galway, she has lectured and tutored in: artistic activism for justice and human rights, intimacy coordination for theatre in practice, English language for asylum seekers and temporary protection beneficiaries, and academic writing. Michelle formerly led as Assistant Director for a non-governmental organization based in Northern Thailand that promoted equality, community interaction, and social change through artistic outreach, alternative education, and volunteer services in conjunction with local organizations. She also had the chance to lead a trauma-informed academic program for youth at risk and victims of trafficking in a specialized residential setting in the United States. She has engaged as a research consultant with both the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and Ireland’s national consent education programme, Active* Consent.
Her current PhD research involves a performance project exploring socio-ecodramaturgy, investigating artistic practice and performance which engages with natural cycles, social and ecological issues, and interconnections. By narrowing in on our relationships to our bodies and environments through sensuous performance with/in nature, she aims to tackle current societal challenges, and promote creative practices for sustainability and caring connection.