Ellie Carrillo

Ellie is an interdisciplinary scholar with a background in theatre and social work. She received her Bachelor of Arts in acting/directing from Colorado Mesa University and a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University. She has spent the last 10 years working in community organizations with youths and adults. Currently, she works as a licensed therapist outside of her studies. Ellie explores mental health through a performance studies lens, moving from theory to practical application.

Project Title: Transformation to Contamination: How Witnesses Disappear in Jury Trials 

Project Description: This project explores the intersection of law and performance in the United States, with a focus on witness testimony.  While choosing to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination is a protected right, a witness to an alleged crime does not have the same liberty. Through a court order, you can be commanded to testify in person or be fined, imprisoned, or both. Though your name is listed at the top of a subpoena, you are no longer seen as that person, but a component of the courtroom. You are forced to appear, but you yourself disappear into admissible evidence. Through this transformation, truth and memory are tested, ultimately, causing contamination.