A few weeks ago, we featured a unique poetry retreat happening in Goa in the first week of June, a space designed to help you explore your voice and deepen your poetry journey. Now, as part of this inspiring residency, a special poetry performance and open mic event is set to take place.
Whether you’re a poetry lover, a poet ready to share your work, or someone who simply wants to witness the magic of words, this is the place to be.
‘Speak Easy’, presented by The Poetry Retreat, is an evening dedicated for poetry performances and open mic, and will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Resort Palmeiras Dourado, Velsao, South Goa.
“The idea behind it is to create a product, an end result or a goal that the poets have to work towards, so that they have something they can produce that they can show and share,” says Rochelle D’Silva, the creative force behind the event.
"It really gives a cohesive sense of what they’ve learned through the residency,” she adds.
Following the residency, where aspiring poets receive guidance from experienced poets and mentors, each participant will have the unique opportunity to perform a piece that they worked on during the residency. This event is the highlight of the Poetry Retreat, done every year, almost like a cherished tradition.
However, in addition to performances by the residency poets, ‘Speak Easy’ will also feature open mic spots for anyone from the audience who wants to step up and perform, as well as local poets eager to share their work. It’s a space for everyone to come together to celebrate the power of poetry.
‘Speak Easy’ presented by The Poetry Retreat is an evening dedicated for poetry performances and open mic on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Resort Palmeiras Dourado, Velsao.
“The stage is open to anyone who wants to share with us, and there’s no specific theme or message, just whatever the poets want to write about,” says Rochelle, who’s expecting an audience of family, friends, well-wishers, anyone really who wants to show up.
“This event will always remain part of the residency. I hope that people walk away with a sense of belonging to a community, being part of something,” says Rochelle.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to step on stage and share a piece that comes from deep within, or simply be a cheerleader in the crowd, or even better, spend a beautiful weekend with a poetry-loving community, drop by, participate or witness this two-hour interactive and informal event on Sunday.
DETAILS
WHAT: ‘Speak Easy’, poetry performances and open mic
WHERE: Resort Palmeiras Dourado, Velsao, South Goa
WHEN: Sunday, June 8, 2025
TIMINGS: 6 pm to 8 pm