Debbie Bandara is the founder and Artistic Director of the Award-Winning Aura Creative Studios, an immersive digital company based in the North West of England. 

 

Previous works include making an immersive show called “New World” delivered in specials schools using 5G and haptics. She also works in collaboration with organisations who share the same ethos, most recent with Manchester International Festival.

 

“The children’s attention is held throughout by the performances; they are engrossed by the visuals and delighted by the interactive elements”

British Theatre Guide

 

She led the Makers for the Royal Exchange Theatre Young Company in Manchester as well as making new pieces for audiences with additional needs. 

 

She runs workshops for creative practitioners and teachers to support their creative practice (dance, immersive theatre and theatre for audiences with additional needs)

 

Debbie has over 20 years’ experience of UK and International Touring where she began her training at the Royal Academy of Dance. She was the choreographer for The Oily Cart’s productions and the former Associate Director. She is a trustee of Theatre Porto in Ellesmere Port and England’s Champion of IIAN (International Inclusive Arts Network- part of ASSITEJ).

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She was also part of the Artistic Director Leadership Programme, “Leader Of Tomorrow” and was part of the  Board Shadowing Programme supported by the Artistic Director’s of The Future. The Lowry supported her role as a producer. She currently is invited to Panel Talks and supports the EDI steering group influencing policy making for Creative UK.
 
Her background stems from her BSc hons in Artificial Intelligence with European Studies (Spanish). Her knowledge of A.I. and computers/robotics naturally draws her to digital technology and ways to embed into pieces that are naturalistic in form. She steers her work into this new era of digital A.I. technology and currently exploring speculative modalities of A.I in the current landscape.

 

"Kindred Spirit’, is a live-art multi-sensory installation where the audience designs their own AI companion and spends a short time in their presence. The experience explores companionship, intimacy, and desire, raising awareness of digital care and digisexuality. The Project is in collaboration with The Level Centre (adults with additional needs), The Science Museum, Factory International and showcasing at Warsaw Fine Art Gallery, Poland

 

https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/get-curious

 

https://levelcentre.com/debbie-bandara/

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‘Sensorial Dreams’, Immersive Digital Piece in collaboration with the Royal Exchange Theatre, developing prototype for audiences with additional needs. VR, Olfactory, haptics technology with real-time live theatre audience. Funded by CDI.

 

https://ahead.mmu.ac.uk/2025/01/23/immersive-vr-theatre/

Her choreographic repertoire allows her to co-create work with, for and by all audiences. Her sensorial approach is collaborative, with the final piece being the harmonious sum of its’ collaborators and artists.

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