Dr. Maaike Bleeker

Biography

Maaike Bleeker is a Professor at Utrecht University, specializing in Theatre Performance Studies. Her research focuses on the intersections between contemporary theatre, dance performance, and the ways in which humans interact with non-human agents, such as robots and instruments. She has published extensively in her field, including a monograph titled 'Visuality in Theatre: The Locus of Looking' and co-edited volumes such as 'Performance Phenomenology: Traditions and Transformations' and 'Thinking Theatre Performance'. Bleeker’s current projects include 'Acting Like Robot: Theatre Testbed Robot Revolution', which explores the role of technology in performance and its relationship with human experience. With a keen interest in corporeal literacy and the dynamics of technology in everyday life, she collaborates with various institutions to advance research on human-technology interactions. Prior to her role at Utrecht University, she taught at the Piet Zwart postgraduate program in Fine Arts and was involved with theatre and dance companies in the Netherlands for over fifteen years. Among her notable contributions, Bleeker served as the president of Performance Studies International from 2011 to 2016 and has been recognized for her influence in performance studies through various awards and appointments.

Research Interests

Experience