The Future of Theatre: Indhu Rubasingham's Call for Creative Risk

Indhu Rubasingham, the artistic director of the National Theatre, has expressed grave concerns about the future of the theatre industry in the UK, warning that conservative theatre-making could jeopardize its vitality. Speaking at the Jennie Lee lecture, Rubasingham highlighted alarming trends indicating a significant decline in new writing and creative submissions across the sector. Research from the National Theatre's new work department revealed a 70% decrease in theatres accepting open submissions from 2014 to 2024, alongside a 76% drop in new writing festivals and a 44% reduction in playwriting courses. These statistics underscore a broader contraction in the diversity of voices represented on stage, particularly outside London.

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Rubasingham emphasized the necessity of taking creative risks to ensure the future of theatre. She argued that while conservative approaches may provide short-term financial stability for venues, they ultimately threaten the industry's long-term health. “Playing safe will be the end of us,” she stated, urging stakeholders to recognize the potential consequences of a homogenized artistic landscape. Rubasingham warned that this trend could lead to a diminished capacity for public discourse and understanding, as theatre serves as a crucial space for confronting complexity and embracing nuance.

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The artistic director's remarks come against a backdrop of increasing concern about the state of cultural expression in the UK. Rubasingham linked the decline in new theatrical works to broader societal issues, including the rise of disinformation and populist politics. She cautioned that if the theatre industry continues to prioritize predictability and profitability, it risks undermining the democratic values of free speech and imagination. “Our failure to mark this moment as a tipping point risks our betrayal of the legacy, pride and heritage of this country,” she asserted, invoking the legacy of William Shakespeare as a reminder of the importance of diverse narratives.

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In response to Rubasingham's comments, playwright James Graham echoed her concerns, describing the current situation as a “storytelling crisis” in the nation. He noted that while demand for new work has increased, with new productions accounting for 41.9% of theatre attendances in 2023—up from 29.9% in 2019—the overall output of new works has sharply declined since the pandemic.

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Despite the urgency of Rubasingham's message, some industry stakeholders may argue that financial constraints necessitate a more conservative approach to programming. The tension between artistic ambition and fiscal responsibility remains a contentious issue within the theatre community.

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• “Investing in the arts when money is sparse requires courage.” — Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director, National Theatre

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• “If sameness becomes the norm, it nudges us only towards what is predictable and profitable.” — Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director, National Theatre

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• “We have a storytelling crisis in our nation. We’re struggling to imagine the next chapter of our national life.” — James Graham, Playwright

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Rubasingham's call to action highlights the critical need for a renewed commitment to creative risk in theatre, emphasizing that the future of the industry hinges on its ability to embrace diversity and innovation.

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