Despoina Christianoudi

Despoina Christianoudi is a Ph.D. researcher at Royal Holloway University of London's Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance, focusing on ancient Greek tragedy and its pedagogical integration with Greek folk dances. She also serves as an Acting Tutor at the London College of Performing Arts and has led the module Theatre & Text 2: Greek Tragedy at Royal Holloway University of London. Her practice-based research bridges classical drama interpretation and contemporary performance techniques.

• Education: MA in Actor Training and Coaching from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (2019), BA in Acting from Higher Dramatic School 'Athenian Scene of Dramatic Arts' (2014).

Despoina's research interests revolve around reimagining ancient Greek tragedy through embodied pedagogy, with a particular emphasis on movement direction and folk dance. Her work intersects drama, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary performance practices.

Her recent research output, Beginnings and Endings with the Atreides (2024), explores narrative structures in Greek tragedy and their contemporary applications. This publication aligns with her broader focus on classical drama's relevance in modern theatre education.

• External Roles: Organisational Committee Member at the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama (APGRD) since 2023; Trustee at Actors of Dionysus since 2023; Self-employed director of ACT Theatre Practice since 2020.