Martin O'Brien

Dr Martin O'Brien is a Senior Lecturer in Live Art and Head of the Department of Drama at Queen Mary University of London, within the School of English and Drama. He holds a PhD from the University of Reading, MA from Aberystwyth University, and BA from Dartington College of Arts.

Education:

• PhD (Performance Studies), University of Reading
• MA (Theatre and Performance), Aberystwyth University
• BA Hons (Theatre and Performance), Dartington College of Arts

Research: O’Brien’s practice and scholarship focus on the intersection of illness, disability, and performance. His work employs auto-ethnography and durational practices to challenge societal representations of chronic illness and mortality. Key themes include pain-based performance, death studies, and the cultural symbolism of illness. His research is informed by his lived experience with cystic fibrosis.

Performance Works:

• The Last Breath Society (2021, ICA London)
• Dust to Dust (2015, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives)
• Breathe for Me (2012, Grace Exhibition Space, NYC)

Honors:

• Philip Leverhulme Prize (2022)

Teaching: O’Brien teaches modules including Performing Illness and Disability and Performance in the Gallery, emphasizing critical engagement with embodiment and medical humanities.

Funding & Partnerships: Supported by organizations such as Arts Council England, British Council, and the Live Art Development Agency. Collaborations include work with artists Sheree Rose and sound designer Suhail Merchant.

Public Engagement: Appears on BBC Radio and Sky Arts discussing art and illness. Reviews performance for Disability Arts Online and contributes to academic journals like Performance Research and Leonardo.