Marija is a theatre scholar, educator, and cultural worker with a Ph.D. in theatre and performance studies from the University of Warwick. She also holds degrees in Croatian studies and comparative literature from the University of Zagreb, along with a specialization in medieval studies from Central European University in Budapest. Her research interests span theatre history, religious theatre and ritual, community and performance, nationalism studies, and cognitive approaches to drama and performance.
Krnić teaches theatre history and drama courses at the Academy of Dramatic Art and has edited multiple publications in culture and performance criticism. She also works on capacity-building and informal education programs in the field of independent culture across Southeast Europe.