The Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies Prizes Committee is delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s HDR and ECR bursaries, recognising outstanding contributions to research, scholarship, and creative practice in our field.


Geoffrey Milne Bursary (ADSA 2025)

Leigh Fitzpatrick – Murdoch University
Paper: “Miracles without faith: Situational belief in theatre classrooms”
Fitzpatrick’s research offers a compelling exploration of imagination, belief, and pedagogy in theatre education, foregrounding inclusive and reflective approaches to creative learning.

Yashodhara S. Liyanaarachchi – University of New England
Paper: “Belonging on Stage: The Efficacy of Diasporic Theatre in Creating a Culturally Safe Performance Space for the Sri Lankan Sinhalese Community in Wellington”
Liyanaarachchi’s work illuminates the power of diasporic theatre to foster belonging, intercultural dialogue, and culturally safe performance spaces.

Jermaine Hampton – Flinders University
Paper: “Disseminating Performance Research to My Arrernte Luritja Family in Mparntwe”
Hampton’s presentation reflects deeply on Indigenous protocols of care and truth-telling, exploring how performance returns knowledge to Country and community.


Victor Emeljanow Bursary (ADSA 2025)

Dr Jiva Nath Lamsal – Independent Researcher / University of Sydney
Paper: “Collaborative Performances for Justice: The Role of, and Care for, an Audience in Nepali Kachahari Natak”
Dr Lamsal’s paper offers an exceptional study of community-based theatre in Nepal, examining how performance fosters justice, empathy, and social transformation through participatory dialogue.
ADSA warmly congratulates these recipients for their innovative contributions and their alignment with this year’s conference theme, Manaakitanga: Performing Welcome, Care and Respect.
We also extend sincere thanks to all nominees for their submissions. The judging panels noted the exceptionally high standard of work, reflecting the creativity, diversity, and critical depth of theatre and performance research across Oceania.
With appreciation,

Daniel Johnston
On behalf of the ADSA Prize Committees
Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies