We’re a few months into our first ever Artist in Development programme at Lawrence Batley Theatre – and it's been brilliant getting to know a new artist and their work.
From the moment we put the call out, we were blown away by the range and quality of artists applying from across West Yorkshire and beyond.
After a tough selection process, we were thrilled to welcome Dr Prathiba Batley as our Summer 2025 Artist in Development. Now, we’re excited to share an update on what she’s been working on so far.
What is an Artist in Development at Lawrence Batley Theatre?
Our Artist in Development scheme is a new opportunity for artists to spend focused time at the theatre to explore, create, and grow. It’s designed to offer practical support - whether that’s space, mentorship, technical advice, funding guidance, or help connecting with audiences and communities.
It’s part of our commitment to championing bold, brilliant work being made in and around West Yorkshire and to supporting artists at key moments in their creative journeys.
Who is Dr Prathiba Batley?
Prathiba is an award-winning Bharatanatyam Indian Classical dancer and founder of Eyakkam Dance Company. She’s spent the last 23 years living and working in the United States, where she gained recognition for using Bharatanatyam to tell personal, political and socially conscious stories.
Having recently moved to Kirklees – where her husband’s family are from – Prathiba saw our Artist in Development opportunity as a way to start building creative roots in her new home.
What is Dr Prathiba Batley’s project?
Prathiba is continuing to redefine Bharatanatyam — not by discarding its past, but by dancing through its hidden histories, questioning its exclusions, and making space for voices long cast aside.
In her project entitled, Caste Away: From Devotion to Heresy, she will lead the audiences through a personal and political journey that reclaims Bharatanatyam’s rebellious, sensual, and secular origins — long before it was sanctified as a divine art form. She reclaims the image of woman as divine force, one with a funny bone, a sovereign ruler, a fierce survivor, and an unapologetic activist.
Where and when is it happening?
Prathiba will be working in our Cellar Theatre during August and September, with time set aside for movement exploration, dramaturgical work, and technical development alongside our team.
At the end of her residency, she’ll host a sharing of the work-in-progress that offers a chance to test the piece in front of an invited audience.
We’re also helping her film the sharing, so she has strong documentation to take to future collaborators, funders and programmers.
Beyond the theatre, Prathiba is keen to start engaging with local communities and sharing her practice more widely. With support from our Participation team, she’ll begin making connections with local groups and exploring opportunities to lead workshops here in Huddersfield.
How we’re working together – and why
From the start, we wanted Prathiba’s time with us to be shaped around what she needed most – whether that was creative time, connections, or behind-the-scenes support. Olivia Race, our Head of Creative Programme, has been working closely with Prathiba to offer advice on the arts funding avenues and opportunities in the UK, signposting to Arts Council England, navigating their funding streams, and feedback on a developing your creative practice application.
As someone who’s spent much of her career outside the UK, this guidance has been a key part of helping Prathiba navigate the next steps in establishing herself in the UK.
Olivia Race, Head of Creative Programme, said;
“The response from our first Artist in Development call out was incredible – to see the wealth and variety of artists making work in our area at all different stages and of all different types was inspiring and made selecting just one artist for the season incredibly difficult.
Working with Prathiba to begin to establish herself locally after so long in another country has been really rewarding and we are looking forward to having her with us in the building working on her performance too over the coming months.
We can’t wait to see who applies in the next call out and get to know even more artists making interesting and groundbreaking work right in here in West Yorkshire.”
Why this work matters
Support like this is essential for artists. At Lawrence Batley Theatre, this is only possible thanks to the generosity of people like you who believe in investing in local artists and new work.
By supporting artists like Prathiba, we’re not just helping one person – we’re helping shape the cultural life of our town. We’re bringing new stories to our stages, creating new jobs for freelance artists and technicians, and helping build a creative, connected community here in Huddersfield.
If, like us, you believe in that too, please consider supporting our work. Every donation helps us to keep championing artists, telling new stories, and making sure the next generation of creators has the support they need to thrive.
Autumn/winter 2025 Artist in Development
Applications to be our Autumn/Winter 2025 Artist in Development will open on Wed 30 July 2025. For more information and all the latest news, keep an eye out on our socials and sign-up to our newsletter here.
