In a historical decision, Indhu Rubasingham, an acclaimed theater practitioner, has been appointed as the next Director and Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre (NT) in London.
Rubasingham is set to take over from the current Director and Chief Executive Rufus Norris, who will depart the National Theatre in Spring 2025 as his second term concludes.
She will take charge of chief executive duties jointly with present executive director Kate Varah, who also becomes Joint Chief Executive in a co-leadership model.
Speaking about her appointment, Rubasingham said that it is a huge honour for her. “…..for me, this is the best job in the world,” she said.
Her appointment as Director and Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre is a major breakthrough as it breaks the decades-long stereotypes of white male holding the realm of power.
Rubasingham shared that the NT has played a pivotal role in her life as she began with baby steps with NT as a teenage theatregoer, and later became theatre-maker, and now this opportunity to play a role in its history is like an “incredible privilege and responsibility” for her.
She believes that theatre has a transformative power to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling. “I’ve been fortunate to have directed on the National Theatre’s stages, and witnessed firsthand the commitment, collaboration, brilliance and pride of those who bring the magic to the building, both on stage and off. There’s nowhere like it, and it will be a joy to be a part of this iconic building’s next chapter, leading the company alongside Kate. I am thrilled to be following in the footsteps of Rufus, and I look forward to working closely with him from next year as I plan my first season,” she said in a statement.
In the statement issues by NT, the executive director Kate Varah expressed his views on Rubasingham’s appointment. He said, “I am thrilled that Indhu will be the National Theatre’s next Director, someone I deeply admire as an artist and as a leader. Importantly, I believe we share the same values and aspirations for this incomparable theatre. I look forward to starting a new chapter leading together, working with the best artists and colleagues to make theatre that entertains and inspires audiences across the world.”
Rubasingham was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, to Sri-Lankan Tamil parents. On Friday, she will leave her current position of artistic director of the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn, London, after a run of 11 years.
About Author
Leave a Reply