dr. sruti bala: i am assistant professor in the theatre studies dept. of the university of amsterdam. i co-ordinate an erasmus mundus ma programme on international performance research and teache contemporary performance theories and concepts. my postdoctoral research project explores contemporary performance practices in violent conflict zones.here i explore the relationship between performance and the aftermath of war and violent conflict, and the ways in which the performing arts respond to conflict. i completed my doctorate at the university of mainz, germany with a thesis on the performativity of nonviolent protest movements. i have studied literature and peace and conflict studies in the universities of mumbai and bonn and have several years of experience as a practitioner in community theatre methods