For a moment, Indhu Rubasingham pauses mid-sentence, taking a deep breath as emotion wells up inside her, prompting her to blink away tears threatening to spill. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she says with a hint of vulnerability. “I get emotional. But I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my dad. He would be so blown away that I got this job.”
The artistic director designate of the National Theatre, marking a historic milestone as the first woman and the first person of color to take on the prestigious role in British theater, reflects on her father, who passed away 14 years ago. This moment of reflection reveals a profound connection to her past.
A.S. Rubasingham, her father, was an esteemed eye specialist who made the journey from Sri Lanka to the UK with dreams of a bright future for his family. Indhu, born in Sheffield, England, grew up in the East Midlands town of Mansfield; she excelled in science and math, completing all her science A levels at Nottingham Girls’ High School. However, a passion for theater unexpectedly ignited in her heart, leading her down a different path.
“He was worried about me doing a drama degree, but he was really good at listening and was very broad-minded. I realize now that compared to other friends, I was allowed the freedom to be myself. We were always motivated to engage in meaningful conversations. Though he was apprehensive about the job market in the arts, I remember once performing in a warehouse show where the audience sat on cushions, and I could sense his concern about the unconventional setup. But then [the director] Peter Brook came to see it, and his approval made everything feel alright. That was quite funny.”
She bursts into a warm, hearty laugh, filled with pride and nostalgia as she reflects on those early experiences. Now at 54, poised to become one of the most influential figures in British arts, Rubasingham faces the immense responsibilities of programming, fundraising, and overseeing a diverse team of hundreds at the National Theatre, a monumental brutalist concrete icon on the South Bank of the River Thames. Taking the helm of an institution founded in 1963 with the legendary Laurence Olivier as its inaugural director is no small feat, as many productions here have achieved legendary status. The theater’s illustrious history includes Peter O’Toole’s groundbreaking performance in Hamlet, as well as modern-day hits like War Horse and Hadestown. This spring, the highly anticipated production The Motive and the Cue, directed by Sam Mendes and exploring the lives of Richard Burton, John Gielgud, and Elizabeth Taylor, will be set to transfer to Broadway.
How has Indhu Rubasingham’s father’s journey influenced her path in the arts?
**Interview with Indhu Rubasingham: A Moment of Reflection**
*Interviewer: Today, we’re fortunate to be joined by Indhu Rubasingham, the artistic director designate of the National Theatre. Indhu, congratulations on this remarkable achievement—being the first woman and the first person of color to hold this prestigious position. It’s historic. Can you tell us what this moment means to you personally?*
**Indhu Rubasingham:** Thank you so much. To be honest, it’s incredibly emotional for me. For a moment there, I almost choked up thinking about my dad. He passed away 14 years ago, and I know he would be absolutely blown away by this moment. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him; his dreams and sacrifices are what paved the way for me.
*Interviewer: That’s a very touching sentiment, Indhu. Can you share a bit more about your father and how his journey influenced your path?*
**Indhu Rubasingham:** My father, A.S. Rubasingham, was an esteemed eye specialist who came to the UK from Sri Lanka with high hopes for our future. He always encouraged me to pursue my passions and instilled in me the importance of education. I grew up in Sheffield and Mansfield, excelling in subjects like science and math, which I think reflected his aspirations for me. But deep down, I always felt this pull towards the arts, and I am grateful every day for the support he gave me.
*Interviewer: It sounds like your father had a significant impact on your life choices. As you step into this role, what kind of legacy do you hope to create at the National Theatre?*
**Indhu Rubasingham:** I aim to create a space that is inclusive, vibrant, and reflective of the diverse stories that make up our society today. I want to honor my father’s legacy by lifting voices that have been underrepresented in the arts. Theatre has the power to connect us, and I hope to use this platform to tell those important stories.
*Interviewer: That’s a wonderful vision. As you prepare for this new chapter, how are you feeling about the challenges and opportunities ahead?*
**Indhu Rubasingham:** I have mixed feelings! There’s definitely excitement but also a weight of responsibility. I want to listen and learn from those around me as I navigate this journey. It’s about collaboration and building a future for the theater that everyone can be proud of—a place where every audience member can see themselves reflected on stage.
*Interviewer: Thank you, Indhu, for sharing this moment with us. Your insights are inspiring. It’s clear that your father’s spirit and teachings will continue to guide you as you embark on this incredible journey at the National Theatre.*
**Indhu Rubasingham:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts and my father’s legacy. I hope to make him proud every step of the way.
