Janet Curtis Book Launch

IRENE MAWER: A Life in Mime, Movement, and Voice

A woman who encouraged expression through her teaching and theatre performances!

Who was Irene Mawer, and why have so few people heard of her today?

Once a familiar and respected figure in the worlds of theatre, movement, speech, and education, Irene Mawer influenced generations of performers and teachers. Yet her story has largely slipped from view.

Drawing on extensive original research, Irene Mawer: A Life in Mime, Movement, and Voice follows her journey as one of the most influential advocates of movement and expressive communication in twentieth-century Britain. Along the way, it explores her work with Ruby Ginner, the development of Classical Greek Dance, the growth of mime and movement training, and the changing world of theatre and education in which she worked.

Part biography, part exploration of a fascinating period in British cultural history, the book brings Irene Mawer back into the spotlight and uncovers the story of a remarkable woman whose influence can still be felt today.

Janet Fizz Curtis is a writer and independent researcher with a longstanding interest in the history of movement, mime, dance and education. Janet’s own teacher was a pupil of Irene Mawer, inspiring years of archival research and investigation. Her work seeks to preserve and share the legacy of an influential teacher whose contribution to British cultural and educational life has been largely overlooked.

Janet is a retired police officer and a long-standing IPA member. She is a valued member and a regular contributor to our writers' group.

The book is available from Janet’s website https://irenemawer.com/book/, or from Amazon (but it is cheaper on her own website!)

Irene Mawer