Kommune’s Spoken Fest, hailed as “the Mecca of the mindful millennial,” is set to make history as India’s first truly national celebration of storytelling traditions. For its 2024-2025 season, this premier spoken word festival will expand beyond its Mumbai roots, debuting in Shillong and Bangalore. This bold move marks a pivotal moment in India’s cultural landscape, offering a platform for those “not looking to tune out, but tune in.” By embracing the diverse voices of three distinct regions, Spoken Fest is poised to amplify India’s rich narrative mosaic on an unprecedented scale.
National Expansion Highlights Cultural Diversity
Spoken Fest’s expansion reflects the growing appetite for diverse cultural expressions across India. The festival, known for its unique blend of music, theatre, poetry, and storytelling, will take place on:
- November 20, 2024: Shillong
- February 22, 2025: Bangalore
- February 01 & 02, 2025: Mumbai
The Mumbai edition of Spoken Fest will be a two-day event, while the Bangalore and Shillong editions will be single-day affairs.
Roshan Abbas, Festival Director & Founder of Kommune, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion: “Spoken Fest is more than just performances; it’s a tapestry of diverse voices and backgrounds, where poetry meets prose to create magic. By expanding to Bangalore and Shillong, we’re not only providing a platform for local artists to shine but also inviting audiences to connect with the cultural richness of these cities. Bangalore, with its diverse populace and thriving arts scene, offers a unique canvas where classical forms can intertwine with cutting-edge expressions. We’re particularly excited to tap into Shillong’s creative community, exploring new ways to blend traditional storytelling with contemporary art forms. In Shillong, we see an opportunity to push the boundaries of spoken word, creating a festival edition that’s as dynamic and artistically rich as the city itself.”
A Festival Rooted in Heart and Sustainability
Beyond entertainment, Spoken Fest’s soul rests on the foundation of sustainability and inclusivity. The fest joins hands with Skrap to host India’s zero-waste and carbon-positive event that pays its tribute to the environment, ensuring its beauty remains untouched. The fest continues to strengthen its spirit of inclusivity by embracing diverse voices from various linguistic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, and is dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to all while driving social change through the power of storytelling.
“We are committed to ensuring that every word spoken at Spoken Fest leaves a lasting, positive impact on both society and the environment,” mentions Abbas.
Kommune’s expansion of Spoken Fest marks a significant moment in India’s cultural landscape, uniting diverse voices from across the country. More than just a festival, Spoken Fest is a movement igniting a national conversation about identity and art, by harnessing the transformative power of storytelling for today’s India.
