Meet Dr Sara Matchett

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m Sara Matchett, a Professor at the University of Cape Town, where I teach and research in the fields of theatre, voice, and performance studies. I’m also a certified Advanced Breathwork Practitioner with Breathwork Africa, and one of twelve global Lead Trainers in Fitzmaurice Voicework®. 25 years ago, I co-founded The Mothertongue Project, a women’s arts collective focused on performance and social engagement.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My days are a mix of teaching, research, and creative work. I spend time in the studio with students, supervise postgraduate research, and work on various performance and breathwork projects. I also collaborate with local and international partners on research and workshops, and occasionally present at conferences and contribute to publications.

How did your breathwork journey begin and what inspired you to pursue this path?

My interest in breathwork started in 1998, when I did a 10 day Vipassana retreat in Igatpuri, India. My interest further developed through my academic and creative work, particularly during my PhD research, which explored breath as a way into performance-making. Over time, I integrated practices from Fitzmaurice Voicework® and various breathwork practices into my teaching and creative process. These approaches aligned with my interest in how breath connects to emotion, memory, and voice. Working with Dr Ela Manga and Breathwork Africa continues to deepen my journey with breath, blending science, spirit, and creativity.

How have you seen your practice benefit your practitioners?

Practitioners often report increased awareness of their physical and emotional states, improved vocal presence, and a deeper connection to their creative work. Breathwork can support resilience and help individuals access personal narratives and embodied experiences, which can be useful in both performance and everyday life.

Do you have a favourite quote, mantra or life motto that you live by?

One quote I often return to is: “Breathing is Meaning” – Catherine Fitzmaurice. It reflects the process I use in my work, starting with breath, moving into sensation, and allowing that to inform creative expression. A mantra that inspires me daily (in fact, it forms part of my email signature) is “There’s really no such thing as the ‘voiceless’. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard” – Arundhati Roy. This reflects the core of my practice, which explores breath as a medium for expression and presence, and performance as a space where voices, especially those often marginalised, can be heard and acknowledged.

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