By Shalini Rao
Since its inception in 2022, Iti Nāṭya, the theatre vertical of the Valley of Words (VoW) International Literature and Arts Festival, has evolved into one of the festival’s most vibrant and anticipated initiatives for young performers. Conceived in collaboration with CII and Young Indians Dehradun (Yi), Dehradun, Iti Nāṭya was established with the objective of cultivating a refined appreciation of theatre as an art form while exploring its deep connections with community, culture, literature, and society.
At its heart, Iti Nāṭya seeks to introduce school students to the craft of theatre—its techniques, disciplines, and expressive possibilities. More importantly, it encourages young minds to engage with literature in a dynamic and experiential manner, transforming stories, ideas, and historical narratives into living performances. Over the years, the initiative has attracted enthusiastic participation from leading schools across Dehradun and Mussoorie, steadily growing in scale, quality, and impact.
Each edition of Iti Nāṭya has been guided by a thoughtfully curated theme designed to spark imagination, encourage research, and inspire creativity among participants. In 2022, students celebrated 75 Years of Indian Independence, bringing to life stories of sacrifice, resilience, and nation-building. The 2023 edition focused on the G20, encouraging participants to explore global cooperation and contemporary challenges through theatre. In 2024, students delved into the timeless literary masterpiece Abhijñānaśākuntalam by Kālidāsa, discovering the beauty of classical Sanskrit drama. The 2025 theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of Uttarakhand: A Theatrical Tribute”, paid homage to the state’s rich history, culture, and achievements.
The 2026 edition embraced the theme of Dashāvatāra—the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Symbolising cosmic balance, evolution, and the eternal cycle of chaos and renewal, the theme offered students a rich canvas for artistic interpretation. This edition held special significance as it coincided with the tenth year of the Valley of Words Festival itself, creating a remarkable alignment of ten years, ten avatars, and ten visions of transformation, courage, and hope.
Just as each avatar of Vishnu emerges to restore harmony in a changing world, every edition of VoW has introduced new ideas, meaningful conversations, and fresh generations of young performers who bring stories alive on stage. Through theatre, students not only develop confidence and communication skills but also cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper engagement with literature and heritage.
The growing popularity of Iti Nāṭya is reflected in the increasing participation witnessed each year. Schools have consistently embraced the challenge of interpreting complex themes, demonstrating remarkable creativity, scholarship, and theatrical excellence. The initiative continues to reaffirm the belief that literature is not confined to the written word; it flourishes when spoken, enacted, and experienced.
The 2026 edition saw exceptional performances from all participating schools. Presidency International School and Doon Global School emerged as the top two schools, impressing audiences and judges alike with their artistic vision and stagecraft. In recognition of its outstanding performance, Presidency International School has earned the honour of presenting its production at the flagship Valley of Words Festival to be held in Dehradun in November 2026.
As Iti Nāṭya continues its journey, it remains committed to nurturing young talent, encouraging literary exploration, and creating meaningful encounters between education, culture, and the performing arts.
