NCPA Mumbai and Soho Theatre, London, Present Staged Reading of Award-Winning Play Little Brother and Writing Workshops Across Mumbai and Delhi

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 alongside an interactive writing workshop. Supported by the British Council, the programme marks the next phase of a four-year creative partnership between NCPA and Soho Theatre, focused on nurturing English-language playwriting through artistic exchange, dramaturgical dialogue, and contemporary theatre practice.

Taking place across Mumbai and Delhi in January 2026, the season brings together emerging and established writers, theatre practitioners, and audiences for a series of learning and performance-led engagements.

Good Beginnings Why Your First 1,500 Words Matter…

Writing Workshop

Mumbai
Sea View Room, NCPA | January 11, 2026
• 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Morning Batch)
• 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Afternoon Batch)

Delhi
British Council Auditorium | January 20, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

An NCPA Presentation | Supported by the British Council

This interactive workshop explores the crucial role of opening moments in storytelling and how writers can effectively capture and sustain an audience’s attention from the very beginning. Open to both aspiring and experienced writers, the session focuses on craft, structure, and the practical challenges of starting new work.

The workshop is led by Max Elton, Associate Director (Literary) at Soho Theatre and Artistic Director of Bitter Pill, and Pooja Sivaraman, Creative Associate at Soho Theatre and a Bombay-born, London-based playwright actively involved in the development of Soho Theatre India.

Age Recommendation: 12+
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Late entry not permitted

Staged Reading: Little Brother by Eoin McAndrew

Mumbai
Experimental Theatre, NCPA | January 13, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.

Delhi
British Council Auditorium | January 21, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.

An NCPA Presentation | Supported by the British Council

The season also features 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 explores themes of trauma, care, and responsibility through the complex relationship between siblings Brigid and Niall, following Niall’s survival of an act of self-harm.

Directed by Rachel D’Souza, the staged reading foregrounds the text and emotional depth of the writing, inviting audiences to engage closely with the narrative. The reading stars Amba Suhasini Jhala and Dheer Hira, with additional cast members to be announced. McAndrew will travel to India to attend the readings and interact with participating writers as part of the wider initiative.

Age Recommendation: 12+
Duration: 90 minutes
Late entry not permitted