In December, we at India Autism Center (IAC) marked an important milestone by hosting The Hunter Heartbeat Program in Kolkata for the first time in India. Designed around inclusive theatre practices, the program used movement, rhythm, and voice to support connection, communication, and confidence in neurodivergent individuals.

Led by Kelly Hunter, Founder and Artistic Director of Flute Theatre, UK, this landmark initiative introduced a globally recognised, autism-inclusive theatre method to neurodivergent children and young people across the city.

What the Event Was About

The Hunter Heartbeat Program uses rhythm, repetition, movement, and voice to make theatre—and even Shakespeare—accessible to autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Instead of performance-driven outcomes, the focus stays firmly on safety, joy, emotional regulation, and authentic self-expression.

Over the course of two weeks (3rd–17th December), we created spaces where theatre felt welcoming, non-judgemental, and deeply human.

Who the Program Was For

This program was designed for neurodivergent students, their families, and the larger support ecosystem around them. Sessions were conducted across seven centres and special schools, allowing children to participate in familiar environments while experiencing something entirely new.

Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members were equally part of this journey—witnessing moments of connection that often don’t emerge in traditional settings.

What We Did

Alongside The Urban Theatre Project, we worked closely with Kelly Hunter to deliver structured yet flexible workshops tailored to the needs of each group.

To ensure the program’s depth and continuity, 13 actors were intensively trained by Kelly Hunter and Ninad Samaddar in inclusive theatre methodologies. These artists then facilitated sessions across participating centres, extending the program’s reach and impact well beyond a single workshop.

Why We Organised This

We organised the Hunter Heartbeat Program because there is a clear gap in how creative spaces include neurodivergent individuals. Theatre has immense therapeutic and social potential—but only when it is designed with accessibility at its core.

As Ninad Samaddar reflected during the program, what emerged was more than a workshop—it became a home. A place where children could play freely with peers, and where parents finally felt safe enough to pause, breathe, and connect—without judgement.

The Impact

This program touched everyone involved—children, parents, actors, facilitators, and the spaces that hosted it. It supported communication, emotional expression, and social interaction in ways that felt natural and unforced. Many families shared that this was the first time their children could engage in a group creative process with comfort and confidence.

Most importantly, it showed how inclusive theatre can strengthen communities—not just individuals.

Looking Ahead

This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term vision shared by India Autism Center, Flute Theatre, and The Urban Theatre Project. Our goal is to continue training local artists in the Hunter Heartbeat method, enabling regular, sustainable, and community-led inclusive theatre sessions in Kolkata.

The Hunter Heartbeat Program reaffirmed something we deeply believe: when creativity is accessible, it becomes transformative. And when spaces are inclusive, everyone grows together.

We have organised more Event. Have a look!