She will assume her new role as director designate in spring 2024, officially taking over from Rufus Norris as director in spring 2025.

Indhu Rubasingham has been named the next director of the National Theatre. The current artistic director of London’s Kiln Theatre, Rubasingham will begin as director designate in spring 2024, taking the reins from Rufus Norris in spring 2025 when his second term concludes.

Expressing her gratitude, Ms Rubasingham described her appointment as a profound honour, noting the National Theatre’s lasting impact on her journey from a young theatregoer to a seasoned theatre-maker. “This role is a tremendous privilege and responsibility,” she said.

“Theatre holds transformative power—it unites people through shared stories and experiences, and the National Theatre exemplifies this like no other venue. Having directed productions on its stages, I’ve seen firsthand the brilliance, dedication, and collective pride that bring its performances to life,” Rubasingham remarked, adding, “It’s an extraordinary place, and I’m eager to shape its next chapter with Kate.”

In her new role, she will collaborate with Kate Varah, who will serve as joint chief executive in a co-leadership arrangement. Rubasingham expressed excitement about building on Mr Norris’s legacy and looks forward to closely working with him as she prepares for her inaugural season.

Mr Norris, who announced his planned departure in June, praised Rubasingham’s selection, saying, “Indhu is an extraordinary artist whom I deeply respect and admire. Her leadership at Kiln Theatre over the past decade has been exemplary, and I am confident she will bring invaluable expertise to the National Theatre—a space she knows intimately as a successful director across its three stages.”

Since taking charge of Kiln Theatre in 2012, Rubasingham has overseen acclaimed productions, including Zadie Smith’s White Teeth and Ayad Akhtar’s Olivier-nominated The Invisible Hand.