Legitimate Violence is based on the invention of modern suicide bombing in the Levant. The play considers the moral and legal complexities of asymmetrical warfare and the conflict between state and non-state actors -- and ultimately how these modern phenomena challenge our sense of humanity and common decency. How can we do such horrible things to one another yet still consider ourselves good?

An idealistic, intelligent young strategist invents a potent new technology for her organization’s fight against the Occupier. Cheap to build, easy to operate, and wildly efficient, this is an innovation to be reckoned with -- if only Nida Aziz’s superiors would see it the same way. When it becomes clear that the conservative chairwoman of the Kalandiyah Jihad won’t play ball, that the proposal is dead in the water, Nida conspires to have her overthrown. Subsequently, the leaders of the National Security Service debate what to do with an anonymous tip revealing the location of Kalandiyah’s leader. Take her out? Capture her? Little do they know how their actions will soon collide with Nida’s.