The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, in collaboration with Soho Theatre, London, presents a special new writing season featuring a staged reading of an award-winning contemporary play and an interactive workshop for writers. The programme builds on a four-year creative association between the NCPA and Soho Theatre and is supported by the British Council. Taking place across Mumbai and Delhi in January 2026, the season represents the next phase of this ongoing partnership, aimed at nurturing English-language playwriting through artistic exchange, dramaturgical engagement, and contemporary theatre practice.
Good Beginnings — Workshop
Why Your First 1,500 Words Matter…
Sea View Room, NCPA | January 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Morning Batch)
Sea View Room, NCPA| January 11, 2026 | 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Afternoon Batch)
Delhi | January 20, 2026 | Time TBC | Venue TBC
An NCPA Presentation
Supported by the British Council
The NCPA and Soho Theatre present Good Beginnings — Why Your First 1,500 Words Matter…, an interactive workshop that explores how writers can capture and sustain an audience’s attention from the opening moments of a script or narrative. Designed for both aspiring and experienced writers, the workshop focuses on craft, structure, and the practical challenges of beginning new work.
The workshop is conducted by Max Elton, Associate Director (Literary) at Soho Theatre, and Pooja Sivaraman, Creative Associate at Soho Theatre. Elton has been closely involved in the development of new writing at Soho Theatre and is also the Artistic Director of Bitter Pill, a company dedicated to championing contemporary playwrights. Sivaraman, a Bombay-born, London-based playwright, works on the development of Soho Theatre India, fostering sustained artistic exchange between London and Mumbai.
Age Recommendation: 12+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Staged Reading
Little Brother by Eoin McAndrew
Experimental Theatre, Mumbai | January 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Delhi | January 21, 2026 | Time & Venue TBC
An NCPA Presentation
Supported by the British Council
The NCPA and Soho Theatre present a staged reading of Little Brother, the 2024 Verity Bargate Award–winning play by Northern Irish playwright Eoin McAndrew. Set in contemporary Belfast, the play examines the relationship between siblings Brigid and Niall as they navigate trauma, care, and the limits of responsibility after Niall survives an act of self-harm.
Directed by Rachel D’Souza, the staged reading places emphasis on the text and emotional journey of the characters, allowing audiences to engage closely with the writing itself. The reading features performances by Amba Suhasini Jhala and Dheer Hira, with additional cast to be announced. McAndrew will travel to India to attend the readings and engage with participating writers as part of the wider initiative.
Age Recommendation: 12+ | Late entry not permitted
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets (Inclusive of GST)
- Staged Reading only: Rs. 300/-
- Reading + Workshop Combine: Rs. 400/-
