ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the subject of the female body through the lens of close reflection upon the author’s performance/directing journey from both personal and cultural perspectives. It emphasizes the politics surrounding their practice as a Palestinian female artist (Arab Israeli) living on the margin (in London). It addresses the following questions: What are the limitations surrounding this practice? How can personal pain, as an element of live performance, help in challenging cultural taboos and furthermore help in healing throughout the pedagogical course? How can artists’ creative practice help with giving voice to personal pain? To what extent could the teaching process facilitate sharing pain? What could other trainees gain from this process? Personal and ethical considerations of the author’s extensive body of performance are employed alongside similar considerations of their work as a director of their recent play in Belgium, The Place to Be.
