Ghirija Jayarraj 

Ghirija Jayarraj is an independent filmmaker, dance artist, and theatre producer dedicated to exploring narratives that promote social justice and cultural understanding. With a strong foundation in five Indian Classical dance styles, she has developed a contemporary form emphasizing "Sringaram," or beauty born from love, effectively bridging traditional art with modern expression.

As the Creative Director of Shastram, an arts organization focused on Indian Classical dance, Ghirija has fostered a platform for over 400 artists globally since its founding in 2011. Shastram has engaged audiences of up to 25,000, encouraging innovation by integrating ancient knowledge into contemporary formats such as immersive theatre, film, and art exhibitions.

Ghirija has been exploring immersive theatre since 2005, beginning with her first production in Perth, which involved 50 dance artists from Australia, India, and Singapore, titled Naatya Vandhanam. Since then, she has staged several immersive theatre shows featuring renowned classical dancers in various cities across India and Australia. Currently, she has developed Sem Mann an innovative immersive theatre project recently staged in Chennai and is developing two more in Australia.

In addition to her theatre work, Ghirija has made notable contributions to film, with several of her projects receiving international recognition. Her experimental film Mahari has been particularly acclaimed, winning multiple awards at various international film festivals and receiving recognition at the Phoenix Short Film Festival in Toronto and the Euroasia International Film Festival.

Ghirija's short film Touch also won accolades, including Best Short Film at the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival and Best Actress at the Creation International Film Festival in Vancouver.

Additionally, her music video Zindhaghi received recognition, earning her a spot as a finalist for Best Director at the Paris Underground Music Festival.

Recognized for her contributions to the arts, Ghirija has been selected as a producer under the This Gen fellowship by Encounter Theatre which is affiliated with the State Theatre of Western Australia and Why Not Theatre in Toronto, Canada.

In addition to her artistic work, Ghirija has over 16 years of experience as a risk consultant for multinational corporations and government agencies, bringing a unique perspective to her creative endeavours. Through her work, she aims to connect diverse audiences and celebrate the beauty of Indian Classical dance in contemporary contexts while nurturing a sense of cultural identity and community.