David Puvan

Researcher | Applied Theatre Practitioner | Facilitator


Hello! I am a PhD candidate at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. I am an applied theatre practitioner, facilitator, and researcher working at the intersection of social work and participatory arts.

Born and raised in Singapore, I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work at the National University of Singapore before moving to Canada. I have worked as a social worker and applied theatre practitioner, developing and facilitating community-based and arts-driven interventions across diverse settings.

Grounded in embodied and dialogic practice, including Theatre of the Oppressed, my work focuses on creating spaces where marginalized communities can foster community, critically reflect on systemic inequities, and reclaim agency.


Current Roles


Research

My scholarship examines critical consciousness, minority stress, and participatory arts-based interventions across racialized queer and trans populations.

Applied Theatre

I design and facilitate Theatre of the Oppressed and movement-based workshops that surface lived experiences of inequality and foster collective dialogue.

Trainings

I deliver professional trainings for social workers, educators, and community organizations on applied theatre, mental health, and protective practice.


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