NCPA , National Theatre UK Open National Stage for India's Young Theatre Makers

Following the success of the programme's first three editions in Mumbai, which collectively brought together 34 schools, colleges, NGOs, and over 550 participating students, Connections is expanding to four cities in 2026. This year alone, 33 schools, colleges and NGOs will stage ten contemporary plays by acclaimed playwrights from India and the UK, taking the initiative to a significantly larger and more diverse audience. The repertoire spans a wide range of themes, from friendship, identity and mental health to climate change, belonging and resilience, giving young people the opportunity to engage with contemporary stories through the collaborative process of theatre-making.

Under the guidance of professional theatre directors and practitioners, students will gain hands-on experience in every aspect of putting on a play—from acting and stage management to costume design, set design, and technical production. Throughout the programme, students and teachers will participate in workshops and mentoring sessions led by theatre practitioners, while rehearsing one of ten contemporary plays that will be presented at city festivals in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Pune. The programme will culminate in the National Showcase in January 2027.

The fourth edition also marks the expansion of the Connections ecosystem through partnerships with leading cultural institutions across the country, including the British Council and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi, Bangalore International Centre (BIC), MCC Pune, Rangshila Theatre Group, David Sassoon Library and the NCPA in Mumbai. Together, these venues and partners will provide young people with the opportunity to engage with professional theatre spaces and to stage ten contemporary plays by acclaimed playwrights from India and the UK. The repertoire—including Brain Play, Mia and the Fish, Fresh Air, No Regrets, You 2.0, Their Name Is Joy, Hence Proven, Level Up, Arguing with Ananya and Ghost Wing

Connections India represents the coming together of two of the world's most esteemed cultural institutions—the NCPA and the National Theatre UK—each with a profound commitment to nurturing the performing arts and fostering arts education. Through this collaboration, young talents from all walks of life will be immersed in an authentic theatre-making process, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of production.

Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre & Films at the NCPA, said, "Connections is about opening the doors of theatre to young people and giving them the confidence to tell stories from the point of view of other people who are their own age. Empathy, confidence, ownership.

Over the past three years, we have watched students take on these plays with extraordinary imagination, curiosity and generosity. They have brought their own experiences into the room, challenged our assumptions, and often found meanings in the work that have genuinely surprised us.

As Connections moves beyond Mumbai for the first time, we are proud to continue this journey with the National Theatre UK and with our growing network of partners across India. The initiative begins its journey to live up to its name by creating Connections among institutions, schools, writers, theatres, creatives, and educators. Together, we are creating opportunities for more young people to experience the joy and discipline of making theatre, to work alongside artists and educators, and to discover what happens when they are trusted with great stories.”

Ragini Singh Khushwaha, Head of Creative Learning, NCPA: "Theatre gives young people something increasingly rare today - a space to imagine, engage and collaborate. Connections creates that opportunity by bringing together exceptional writing, professional mentorship and training, and the fun of creating something meaningful together. As we move into our biggest edition yet, expanding to four cities this year, we're excited to bring together an even wider community of young people to discover the transformative power of making theatre."

Saatvika Kantamneni, Programme Producer, Connections India: “One of the most rewarding parts of Connections is watching a group of individuals become a creative ensemble. Over months of a rigorous rehearsal process, students, teachers, directors and artists learn from one another, take creative risks, solve problems together and collectively shape the work. The performances celebrate that journey, but it's the shared experience of making theatre together that leaves the deepest impact."