World Theatre Day 2026: Why Hyderabad’s theatre scene needs affordable spaces

On World Theatre Day 2026, artists in Hyderabad call for affordable venues as rising costs and infrastructure gaps challenge the city’s theatre ecosystem.

For a city that prides itself on its growing multiplex culture, its existing multi-purpose venues are simply not enough. Hyderabad needs a dedicated, affordable space for theatre. There is no equivalent to Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre or Bengaluru’s Ranga Shankara—spaces built solely for theatre.

At Lingampally, a suburb in north-west Hyderabad, senior theatre director Nasreen Ishaque is grappling with a difficult decision: to do away with sets, props and costumes. “Perhaps minimal, stripped-down productions will help,” she says.

A scene from ‘Paakuduraalu’; Director Nasreen Ishaque in the inset | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Founder of Nibha Theatre Ensemble and an alumna of the National School of Drama (NSD), Nasreen is known for her large ensemble productions, staged annually with a cast and crew of around 25. Costs, however, have surged—from ₹70,000 in 2018 to ₹2 lakh in 2025, excluding voluntary artiste fees. The rising expenses, coupled with limited access to affordable auditoriums, have left her exhausted.

A few months ago, another NSD graduate, Bhagyashree Tarke, planned to stage Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler in the city. But the actor, who shuttles between Hyderabad and Mumbai, struggled to find affordable rehearsal spaces in central locations, and actors available beyond day jobs. She eventually moved the production to Mumbai. “It is expensive to stage a play there, but since everyone is engaged in some way, you still thrive creatively,” she says.

Bhagyashree also notes a cultural gap. “In Mumbai, many film professionals remain connected to theatre. Even if they are not acting, they show up to watch plays. That’s largely missing in Hyderabad, and that’s perhaps the saddest part.” She adds that in the Telugu industry, only a few, such as veteran actor-playwright Thanikella Bharani and actor Jhansi, continue to balance films and theatre.