Ivan Levant
PhD Candidate, School of Social Science
The University of Queensland
Research Interests
- Public Anthropology
- Existential Anthropology
- Anthropology of Dreams
- Performance Studies
- Dream Studies
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology (Hons Class I), The University of Queensland, 2022
PhD Candidate, The University of Queensland (Current)
Research Focus
Ivan is an artist-scholar working at the intersection of anthropology, theatre, and dream studies. His research investigates how collective dream-sharing and cultural performance can serve as non-clinical, community-based tools for existential reflection, cross-cultural dialogue, and socio-cultural insight.
Background & Experience
With over a decade of experience in immersive theatre and festival production, Ivan brings a creative, practice-based lens to critical ethnographic research. He has directed and devised theatre works, created sets and installations, and facilitated inclusive creative workshops for schools, cultural organisations, and community events. Through his cultural organisation, Sanctuary of Surrealism, he creates and stages anthropologically informed, dream-based performances.
Collaboration Interests:
Ivan is keen to connect with:
- Researchers in anthropology, performance studies and dream studies
- International partners interested in cross-cultural collaborations
- Theatre companies, performers, creatives, community groups, arts organisations, and cultural festivals interested in developing anthropologically informed dream-based works.
Selected Outputs & Recognition:
- Honours thesis awarded with the Donald Tugby Prize and Anthropology Honours Prize (UQ, 2022)
- Winner, Revitalizing Anthropology Graduate Challenge, Center for Public Anthropology (USA, 2021)
- Published chapter: Artist-Anthropologist Mutual Mentorship Networks (2023)
- Co-directed and performed original works staged at Queensland Theatre, Old Museum Brisbane, and Melt Open Festival.
- Regular presenter at academic conferences and arts-based research forums
- Co-created and edited the short film ‘Equitable Human Assertion’ with Dr Gina Athena Ulysse