Mumbai, April 9: National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is set to present The Doctor, a compelling new staged reading written by renowned physician Farokh Udwadia, on April 12 and 13, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Experimental Theatre.
Exploring the complexities of medical ethics, The Doctor poses a powerful question: What happens when a doctor must choose between doing what is right and what is expected? Drawing from lived medical experiences, the play offers a deeply human and thought-provoking narrative.
The story follows Professor Rustom Irani, a respected doctor who performs a life-saving surgery despite a patient’s refusal, believing it to be her only chance of survival. When the patient dies days later, the decision ignites a national controversy, drawing in media, religious leaders, and the medical community. The narrative unfolds through a tribunal, presenting multiple perspectives on ethics, responsibility, and accountability.
Directed by Bruce Guthrie, the staged reading features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Boman Irani, Deven Khote, Sohrab Ardeshir, Santanu Ghatak, Meher Acharia-Dar, Rhea Amin, Anahita Uberoi, Anuvab Pal, Zafar Karachiwala, Shernaz Patel, and Diggie Savant.
This presentation follows the success of NCPA’s previous staged reading, Little Brother by Eion McAndrew, presented in association with Soho Theatre. Inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s Professor Bernhardi, The Doctor reinterprets a classic ethical dilemma within a contemporary Indian context.
Presented as a staged reading, the production offers audiences a unique opportunity to engage with theatre as a work in progress, providing insight into the creative process. The evening will conclude with a Q&A session with Dr. Udwadia, offering deeper perspectives on the themes and development of the play.
Event Details:
- Dates: April 12 & 13, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
