Image of Kate Varah and Indhu Rubasingham

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Indhu Rubasingham, Director Designate of the National Theatre

Photo: Antonio Olmos

Changing Faces

Indhu Rubasingham named National Theatre Director

Ruth Hogarth
2 min read

The National Theatre has announced INDHU RUBASINGHAM as the next Director and Joint Chief Executive of the National Theatre.

She will work alongside the National's current Executive Director KATE VARAH who also becomes Joint Chief Executive in a co-leadership model.

She will succeed current Director and Chief Executive RUFUS NORRIS, who will leave the National Theatre in Spring 2025 when his second term ends.

Rubasingham has been Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre in London since 2012, announcing her intention to step down in July of this year. 

During her tenure there she championed new writing, bringing fresh voices into the mainstream. She also oversaw a major £9m capital campaign, reopening the brand new building in 2018 with the name Kiln Theatre (formerly the Tricycle Theatre).

She has worked regularly at the National Theatre in all three auditoriums. 

Rubasinham will join the National Theatre as Director Designate from Spring 2024.

Indhu Rubasingham said: "It’s a huge honour to be appointed Director of the National Theatre – for me, this is the best job in the world… 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."

Sir DAMON BUFFINI, Chair of the National Theatre Board said: "The Board are thrilled to appoint Indhu as the National Theatre’s next Director and Joint Chief Executive. Having run Kiln Theatre for over a decade, Indhu has a proven record of strong leadership and artistic success, alongside a commitment to bringing theatre to diverse audiences and broadening access to creative education." 

Norris said of his successsor: "Indhu is an exceptional artist who I respect and admire hugely, and I am so pleased that she will become the next Director when I step down in 2025."