The world of UK theatre comes to India in January, with the return of Theatre Sutra – the ongoing programme to develop new relationships and collaborations between theatre makers in the UK and India.

Some of the best British contemporary theatre-makers and producers, from directors of major institutions and festivals to the boldest cutting-edge companies, are in India in January. They’re here to see lots of work, and generate collaborative ideas with their Indian counterparts; to work on joint projects making new work; to learn about Indian theatre, and share some of their knowledge from the UK; and to perform. The programme includes:

Babur is a new opera engaging with the causes and defences of fundamentalism and tracing its routes back to the founding of the Mughal dynasty. The acclaimed creative team behind the work is Indian poet/librettist Jeet Thayil, UK-Swiss composer Edward Rushton, and UK Director John Fulljames.

The full opera is in the early stages of development: as a crucial part of that process, John, Edward, Jeet and five singers are spending a week at the British Council in New Delhi, developing work together for this astounding project. The operatic fruits of their labours will be shared in a special “work-in-progress” event, at the British Council at 4pm on Sunday 10 January. Organised in partnership with The Opera Group and Pro Helvetia.

Organised and hosted by the National School of Drama as part of the 12th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Asia’s largest theatre festival, the two-day Round Table sees 50 leading theatre practitioners – including ten from the UK – gather to explore four key questions around contemporary theatre in India, and find joint answers. For more details Click here

A unique opportunity for Indian theatre makers to hear about the issues facing UK theatre and the new movements taking shape; and to explore the potential for collaboration and partnership. Hosted by Religare Arts Initiative.

Johnny’s Midnight Goggles by Sharpwire is a one-man operatic thriller: mind- and genre-melting explosion of storytelling, ravishing singing, virtuoso cello-playing and sonic wizardry. On this brief tour of India, it’s appearing in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Trivandrum to startle the locals – see here for more info.

While composer/performer Matthew Sharp is in Trivandrum, he’ll be spending a week developing completely new collaborative work with Dev Issaro, the musical director of Asima and the Daksha Sheth Dance Company.