Annecy Lax
Dr. Annecy Lax is a distinguished academic leader and innovative educator, currently serving as the Dean of Partnerships (Education) and Associate Professor in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies at the University of Essex. In her role as Dean of Partnerships, Dr. Lax has been instrumental in forging transformative academic collaborations that enhance educational opportunities and drive institutional growth. Her strategic vision and project-driven approach have been pivotal in delivering impactful change within the University and for its broader community.
Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Lax served as the Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Research Education. In this capacity, she provided academic leadership for all strategic aspects of postgraduate research education and training, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the direction and development of doctoral studies. Her tenure was marked by initiatives that enhanced research training and development and working on cross-European initiatives to embed professional skills in the process.
Dr. Lax’s research is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach, bridging theatre studies with human rights discourse. Her interests encompass applied theatre, performing testimony, trauma in performance, the embodiment of protest, and representations of ethics. She has been instrumental as a Co-Investigator on an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) grant aimed at pioneering transformative strategies for mental health and suicide prevention in Essex. This project involved delivering a series of arts-based interventions for stakeholders and service users. Additionally, she co-led an AHRC Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) initiative, establishing a residency and practice-exchange forum with female theatre-makers in conflict and post-conflict zones.
Dr. Lax continues to contribute to the field as a playwright and creative producer, collaborating with organisations such as ice&fire theatre and Amnesty International to develop performance provocations and short films that engage with pressing social issues. Her exemplary teaching and research have been recognised with several accolades, including the Faculty of Humanities Research Champion Award in 2019 and Supervisor of the Year for the Faculty of Humanities in 2020. Dr. Lax’s leadership is characterised by a drive for innovation, a commitment to delivering meaningful change, and an unwavering dedication to academic and ethical excellence.