National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham Targets Bollywood Talent and India Expansion, Reuniting Ayesha Dharker in 'The Jungle Book'
Indhu Rubasingham, the freshly appointed director of the National Theatre, is embarking on an ambitious journey to strengthen the institution's connections with India, a move deeply rooted in her personal and professional history. Her vision encompasses integrating Bollywood talent into the theatrical landscape, fostering educational partnerships, and leveraging digital platforms to broaden access to the arts across the subcontinent. This strategic direction underlines her commitment to diverse storytelling and audience engagement, building on past successes that have demonstrated the profound impact of cultural exchange.
Rubasingham's approach is informed by her earlier experience bringing Indian actress Shabana Azmi to the National Theatre stage in 2000 for 'The Waiting Room.' This landmark event, which drew immense interest from the Asian community, underscored the potential for the National Theatre to serve as a vital platform for diverse voices. Now, as the first woman and person of color to lead the institution, Rubasingham is poised to further these ties. Before assuming her current role in spring 2025, her decade-long tenure as artistic director of the Kiln Theatre saw her champion marginalized narratives and spearhead significant redevelopment.
A key initiative in Rubasingham's agenda is the upcoming production of 'The Jungle Book,' which she will direct on the Olivier stage. This adaptation, which reimagines the classic tale within India's Sundarbans mangroves, holds particular significance. It not only marks her first foray into puppetry, a creative challenge she embraces with childlike enthusiasm, but also reunites her with actress Ayesha Dharker. Dharker's London stage debut was under Rubasingham's direction in 2001, a connection facilitated by none other than Shabana Azmi, bringing their professional relationship full circle.
Rubasingham expresses a keen interest in collaborating with Bollywood actors, viewing it as a natural progression given the large Indian diaspora in the UK and India's status as the world's largest democracy. She believes this exchange will enrich both the National Theatre and the Indian arts scene, creating a vibrant dialogue across cultures. The production's creative team includes playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar, composer Fernando Velázquez, and designer Rajha Shakiry, promising a fresh and compelling interpretation of 'The Jungle Book.'
Beyond live performances, Rubasingham sees immense potential in digital initiatives like NT Collection and NT Live to democratize access to theater in India. Recognizing India's robust cinema-going culture and inherent love for storytelling, she anticipates a significant appetite for these digital offerings. She envisions these platforms making high-quality theatrical experiences available in schools, homes, and cinemas, nurturing future audiences and practitioners alike. This focus on accessibility is a personal mission for Rubasingham, who credits her own theatrical journey to school-based opportunities, emphasizing the importance of providing similar pathways for aspiring artists.
The National Theatre's educational partnership with Mumbai's National Centre for the Performing Arts, through its NT Connections program, has already reinforced Rubasingham's conviction about the rich talent pool in India. The program has highlighted a profound cultural vibrancy and a thirst for artistic engagement, which she aims to harness and expand. The 'Jungle Book' production is scheduled to run from November 13, 2026, to February 6, 2027, promising a fresh and immersive theatrical experience.
