NEW DELHI — Under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026, the Ministry of Culture will host the BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 in New Delhi from October 12 to 14, 2026.
Centered around the theme “Shared Stories, Shared Futures”, the three-day international festival will convene over 100 theatre practitioners, directors, scholars, students, and cultural delegates representing nine BRICS Member and Partner Countries.
Policy Framework and Strategic Intent
Addressing media representatives in New Delhi, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, noted that the festival advances key commitments outlined in the Bhopal Declaration, which was adopted during the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in August 2026.
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Bhopal Declaration Alignment: Focuses on deepening multilateral cultural cooperation, expanding institutional artistic networks, and establishing a proposed voluntary Artist Registry to streamline international exchanges.
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Summit Endorsement: The festival’s objectives align with the broader BRICS Leaders’ Declaration, which formally recognized regional initiatives aimed at strengthening cross-border cultural ties.
International Participation and Event Logistics
The festival features performances spanning classical, contemporary, and experimental theatrical traditions, along with interactive workshops focusing on stagecraft, acting methodologies, and technical production design.
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Nodal Organizing Agency: National School of Drama (NSD), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
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Participating Nations: India, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam, Iran, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia.
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Production Lineup: India will showcase two national productions; Russia will be represented by two theatre groups; remaining delegate nations will present one flagship production each.
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Inauguration & Venues: Opening on October 12, 2026, at the National School of Drama. Performances will take place across key venues in New Delhi, including NSD’s Abhimanch Auditorium and Sammukh Auditorium, alongside Kamani Auditorium, LTG Auditorium, and Meghdoot Theatre.
