Ali Mansouri, a second-year Ph.D. student in Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies at UW-Madison, brings a background in theatre directing, having earned his master’s degree from the Art University of Tehran, Iran. Ali is also a playwright, with some of his plays published in both Persian and English. His research interests span Contemporary Theatre in the Middle East, Political Performances, Applied Theatre, Migration Studies, and Performance Philosophy. His work delves into the intricate interplay of art, culture, and politics in the Middle East, examines the transformative potential of theatre in effecting positive social change, and explores the experiences of migrants through the lens of performance.