East 15 graduate lands role at Royal Court Theatre

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Theatre graduate Mayaan Haputantri has secured a highly sought-after role at London’s Royal Court Theatre, where he’ll work with new writers and leading creatives.

Mayaan, who graduated from the University of Essex’s East 15 Acting School with an MFA Theatre Directing, began his year-long post as Trainee Director at the theatre this January.

He joins the Royal Court’s artistic team working across productions, programmes and creative development.

The trainee role offers rare access to the theatre’s inner workings and provides a platform for emerging directors to learn directly from industry leaders at one of the UK’s most respected institutions. Mayaan is the first Sri Lankan to land the role.

Mayaan, who graduated in July 2025, applied for the Royal Court position opportunity shortly after completing his MFA, when he was “fresh off East 15.” He learned he’d secured the role after returning to his native Sri Lanka to continue working with his own theatre company, Clutch Plays.

“The fact that this happened straight out of East 15 still feels surreal,” Mayaan said. “Somehow, that dart landed.”

Mayaan with his East 15 cohort

At East 15, Mayaan explained he was encouraged to develop as both a creative practitioner and storyteller, with a strong focus on socially engaged theatre. His interests closely reflect the Royal Court’s reputation for amplifying bold voices and tackling contemporary issues on stage.

Mayaan’s journey into theatre began as an actor at school before he discovered a passion for directing. He founded Clutch Plays to create new work and opportunities for artists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Sri Lanka’s arts sector.

“My dream is to take theatre in Sri Lanka to new heights,” he said. “I want to help create an industry that’s more open, accessible and encouraging for the next generation.”

Mayaan has credited his Essex studies with playing a key role in developing his confidence and craft.

“The most important thing that East 15 gave me was space to grow in my craft, with brilliant bits of constructive criticism, nudging, and encouragement from our beloved head of course, Matthew Lloyd.

“The directing course gave me ample opportunity to experience working with different kinds of actors, and to work and be in the room with many professionals and legends in the theatre industry, which really helped shape my idea of theatre and how to act with purpose both in life and in art.”

Director of East 15 Acting School Dr Chris Main said, “We are really proud of Mayaan for securing this fantastic opportunity at the Royal Court. This outstanding achievement is a testament to his talent, determination and creative vision. It also reflects the exceptional quality of teaching and training at East 15, where students are encouraged to develop bold, purposeful work and engage directly with the professional industry. We can’t wait to see what Mayaan does next.”

His journey is a testament to East 15’s global reach and commitment to shaping theatre-makers who change the industry – locally, nationally and worldwide.