Mysuru: Mysuru-based theatre artiste Biddanda Diya Ponnappa has been selected to represent India at the InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship 2026, to be held at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in Moscow from August 24 to October 3.
Diya is among 12 young theatre artistes selected from BRICS+ countries for the international fellowship. Participants from countries including Brazil, China, Malaysia, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Turkey and Iran will take part in the programme, which aims to promote artistic exchange and strengthen cultural understanding through theatre.
Her selection marks an important international opportunity for the Mysuru artiste, who will be exposed to Russian theatre traditions while interacting with practitioners from different cultural and artistic backgrounds.
Fellowship to bring global theatre artistes together
The InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship 2026 has been designed to immerse young theatre practitioners from different countries in Russian physical and theatrical traditions.
The programme seeks to provide participants with an opportunity to explore theatre practices, performance techniques and artistic approaches while engaging with Russia’s established theatre culture.
Through workshops, learning sessions and cultural interactions, the fellowship is expected to encourage participants to exchange ideas and experiences from their respective theatre traditions.
For Diya, the programme will provide an opportunity to represent India’s contemporary theatre scene on an international platform and build connections with fellow artistes from BRICS+ nations.
Programme hosted at GITIS
The fellowship will be held at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, widely known as GITIS, in Moscow.
The institution is among Russia’s prominent centres for theatre education and training. Hosting the programme at GITIS will give participants an opportunity to engage with Russian approaches to theatre and performance in an academic and professional environment.
The fellowship will run for more than a month, from August 24 to October 3, allowing selected artistes to participate in an immersive programme focused on theatre, physical performance and cultural exchange.
The initiative is expected to expose participants to different aspects of Russian theatrical traditions while creating opportunities for international collaboration.
Diya’s academic background
Diya holds a BBA degree from FLAME University, Pune, where she specialised in Film and Television Management and Theatre and Performance Studies.
Her academic background combines management studies with film, television and theatre, giving her exposure to both the creative and organisational aspects of the performing arts.
Her selection for the fellowship represents an opportunity to further develop her understanding of theatre through international exposure and interaction with practitioners from different countries.
The programme could also help her explore new performance methodologies and artistic perspectives that can contribute to her future work in theatre.
International cultural exchange
The fellowship is being organised in collaboration with the Gorchakov Fund, TV BRICS International Media Network and Mezhdunarodniki.
It is being conducted under Rossotrudnichestvo’s ‘New Generation’ project, with support from the Presidential Grants Foundation.
The initiative is aimed at bringing young professionals and artistes from different countries together and providing them with opportunities for cultural and professional exchange.
The participation of artistes from BRICS+ countries gives the programme a broad international character. With representatives from countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, the fellowship offers participants an opportunity to learn about different cultural approaches to theatre.
Representing Mysuru and India
Diya’s selection has also brought recognition to Mysuru’s theatre community, which has a long association with performing arts and cultural activities.
Representing India at an international theatre fellowship will give the Mysuru-based artiste an opportunity to showcase her artistic perspective while learning from theatre traditions outside India.
The interaction with artistes from other BRICS+ countries could also open possibilities for future collaborations, joint productions and artistic exchanges.
For Indian theatre practitioners, such international programmes can provide exposure to alternative performance techniques and create professional networks that extend beyond national boundaries.
As Diya prepares to travel to Moscow, her participation in the InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship is expected to provide a significant learning experience and further strengthen her engagement with theatre and performance.