Ziad Adwan is an academic, director, and writer. In 2008, he completed a PhD in Theatre Studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, with a thesis titled "Mistakes and Making Mistakes in Cultural Performances." His practice-based research and subsequent projects focus on acting styles, reception theory, and the making of stereotypes.

Ziad was affiliated with the German Research Foundation-funded project ‘Global Theatre Histories’ and the European Research Council-funded project ‘Developing Theatre.’ His research explored the institutionalization and professionalization of theatre in the Middle East since the 1950s. Ziad taught courses such as ‘System of Rehearsals,’‘Performance Theory,’‘Twentieth-Century Drama,’ and ‘Mask Techniques’ at various academies across Europe and the Middle East.

Ziad’s work spans directing, writing, acting, and academia. He co-founded TANWEEN Collective for Performing Arts and received several research and performance grants in Germany. His theatre projects include text-based theatre, choreography, digital performances, and community theatre.