Long Night of Poetry

The Goethe-Institut Chennai, in collaboration with the Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) 4th Edition, presents the Long Night of Poetry—a mesmerizing evening of words, music, and artistic expression. This unique gathering of poets and artists, set against the evocative backdrop of the ongoing art exhibition It’s Time to See, To Be Seen, invites audiences to engage with poetry that dialogues with visual art, reimagining the themes of visibility, identity, and presence.

This curated event features celebrated poets performing new and existing works inspired by the artwork exhibited at Lalit Kala Akademi. The evening will weave together a symphony of verse, sound, and movement, interspersed with immersive musical performances, guided exhibition tours complemented by an exquisite selection of food and drinks for a sensorial and intellectual feast.

Featured Poets for night:
Meena Kandasamy – The fearless voice of anti-caste resistance and feminism, Meena Kandasamy will bring her powerful and politically charged poetry to the forefront, addressing themes of oppression and resilience.

K. Srilata – Known for her lyrical and deeply introspective works, K. Srilata will offer an intimate reflection on identity, memory, and belonging, responding to the themes of the CPB4th Edition.
Mehak Goyal – A rising poetic voice whose works explore rebellion, relationships, and resilience, Mehak Goyal’s reading will create an emotional dialogue with the exhibited artworks.

Negha Shahin – India’s pioneering trans woman actor, writer, and activist, Negha Shahin will bring her evocative narratives and poetry, drawing from lived experiences of visibility and representation.

Rike Scheffler – A poet and artist working at the intersection of language, music, and performance, Rike Scheffler will create an immersive sonic experience, layering her poetry with soundscapes inspired by the exhibition.

Christiane Rechenmacher (CHRISTL MTH.) – An unframed artist who blends music, poetry, and visual art, CHRISTL MTH. will perform spoken-word pieces infused with raw energy and introspection.
So, join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate poetry, storytelling, and artistic expression with our featured poets, along with our local voices—Janaki Sabesh, Kutty Revathi, and others—who will add their unique rhythms and narratives to the night.