Global Voices Theatre Collective, in collaboration with Global Voices in Verse, recently brought together poetry, Indian classical dance, and theatre in a unique multidisciplinary celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, an iconic poem that that predates India’s independence.
Held as part of the celebration of India’s Republic Day, the event marked the launch of a new artistic initiative by Global Voices Theatre Collective: to reimagine poetry on stage by transforming poems into theatrical performances. Instead of limiting poetry to conventional readings, this initiative explores how poetry can be staged, dramatized, and embodied through theatre, allowing audiences—especially younger generations—to connect more deeply with history, culture, and literary heritage.
The play, prepared by the organization’s founder Dr. Parmit Kumar Singh, was staged on January 24, 2026, at Robbins Library. The production was structured into three scenes, portraying India’s social and political conditions before 1947, and concluded with Indian classical Kathak dance, performed by student Anika Mishra.
After the theatrical presentation, participants read poems by poets from different languages and literary traditions. Works included two poems submitted by community members as well as an original work from Dr. Alka Chauhan, who joined the event remotely from India to share a poem celebrating India’s Republic Day.
A complete event summary is available on the Global Voices in Verse website.