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National Theatre's Rubasingham Warns: Conservatism Threatens Theatre's Future

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Indhu Rubasingham, artistic director of the National Theatre, warned that conservative theatre-making threatens the industry’s future and urged investment in risk at Jennie Lee lecture.
She cited a 70% drop in submissions and declines in writing festivals and playwriting courses from 2014 to 2024 as evidence.
Rubasingham linked diminishing voices to disinformation and populism, noting theatre’s role in fostering understanding amid a pandemic decline in new productions despite rising demand.

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Story summary

Indhu Rubasingham, artistic director of the National Theatre, warned that conservative theatre-making threatens the industry’s future and urged investment in risk at Jennie Lee lecture.
She cited a 70% drop in submissions and declines in writing festivals and playwriting courses from 2014 to 2024 as evidence.
Rubasingham linked diminishing voices to disinformation and populism, noting theatre’s role in fostering understanding amid a pandemic decline in new productions despite rising demand.