This writers’ programme forms part of a long-term commitment from the National Theatre of Scotland to developing South Asian theatre artists, and platforming their work.   

The programme provides a paid opportunity for two South Asian playwrights based in Scotland to develop a new play each, with support from professional dramaturgs, actors and directors, ahead of the play being licenced and further developed and produced by A Play, A Pie and a Pint in a future season. 

This programme recognises that South Asian writers face specific barriers to developing their craft and accessing a ladder of progression to professional production opportunities, rooted in historic marginalisation and underinvestment.  

Programme submission details will be announced in January 2026.  

South Asian Playwrights’ Programme is a new collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland, A Play A Pie and A Pint ,Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and Bijli Productions . 

South Asian Project   

Both the South Asian Playwrights’ Programme and South Asian Scratch Night are part of The South Asian Project, established by National Theatre of Scotland in 2021 to enable the company to engage more significantly with South Asian artists and communities in Scotland, with an overall aim, over time, to develop new ideas for productions, forge new connections within communities and to reach new audiences.