From India to the World—via DSM
At the end of a year-long course at Drama School Mumbai (DSM), graduates exchange long goodbyes, share dreams, and prepare to enter the real world. For many, this means taking artistic risks and exploring new paths. For some, it means crossing borders, immersing themselves in international theatre landscapes that challenge and transform their craft. Here, we spotlight five DSM alumni who took their passion for theatre beyond India, embracing cultural and linguistic diversity on stages worldwide.
Mati Rajput: Embracing Global Theatre in Europe
“It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand the local language because, for all of us there, the shared language was theatre.”
– Mati Rajput
Mati Rajput, a 2019 DSM graduate, began her journey with Indianostrum Theatre in Pondicherry as part of her internship. Her dedication and talent led her to join the troupe on a European tour with the production Chandala Impure, performing across Belgium, France, and Tunisia. Despite language barriers, DSM’s training equipped her to engage audiences using theatre as a universal language.
In France, Mati experienced the inner workings of Théâtre du Soleil under Ariane Mnouchkine, witnessing firsthand the collaborative ethos of a theatre troupe where roles were fluid and members handled everything from performing to ironing costumes. “Everyone was equally responsible for the final production,” she shares, noting how the theatre community valued ethics and accountability, especially in a government-supported environment.
In Belgium, Mati attended a workshop with Armel Roussel at Utopia Theatre, where actors were even compensated for workshop participation—a novel experience for her. “The minute I entered the space, the theatre experience began, with music, ambiance, and reactions of fellow audience members serving as my translators,” she says, proving that theatre transcends language.
Chirag Lobo: From DSM to the West End
“Before that, I wasn’t very aware of what the body or my body could do to tell a story.”
– Chirag Lobo
After graduating from DSM in 2014, Chirag Lobo continued his studies with an MA from Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Since then, he has worked on West End productions like Life of Pi and Rope and has appeared in an upcoming film about a man’s journey from India to Sweden by bicycle. DSM’s physical theatre modules were instrumental in preparing Chirag for the demanding physicality required in international theatre.
“The modules opened up the physical language, which has been a big player for the work I’ve done so far,” he explains. This foundation allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the structured UK theatre environment, where government funding provides artists with the luxury of time to refine their craft. Above all, DSM taught him the value of ensemble work, a lesson that continues to serve him well.
Tushar Mathew: Building an Ensemble in the U.S.
“Theatre cannot be without a space providing it fertile ground for play.”
– Tushar Mathew
Tushar Mathew, a classmate of Chirag’s at DSM, pursued his MFA in Ensemble-Based Physical Theatre at Dell’Arte International in California. His DSM training instilled a love for ensemble work and physical theatre, fuelling his journey to co-found his own theatre ensemble and obtain a visa to continue working in the U.S. Today, he teaches at Emerson College in Boston and creates self-funded theatre productions.
While grants and funding are more prevalent in the U.S., Tushar notes that competition remains fierce, and many artists rely on multiple income sources to sustain their work. For Tushar, these challenges prompt reflection: “What role does identity play in making work in a country and for an audience that you are not native to? Are the practices equitable enough?”
Phalguni Vittal Rao: Discovering New Depths in Slovenia
“It was a reminder of what kind of creator I want to be, and in not being preoccupied about failure, I rediscovered the joy of creation there.”
– Phalguni Vittal Rao
The newest DSM alumna to explore the international stage, Phalguni Vittal Rao, participated in a summer workshop in Slovenia, studying Jacques Lecoq and Suzanne Bing’s pedagogy with Embodied Poetics. The experience built on her DSM training, allowing her to deepen her understanding of physical theatre in a cross-cultural environment. Her time at the workshop emphasised creativity without fear of failure, helping her rediscover the joy of creation.
To her surprise, the workshop attracted a diverse mix of professionals, including a gestalt psychotherapist and a game designer, who were eager to incorporate performance techniques into their own fields. Phalguni describes the environment as a “space of safe emergency,” where vulnerability and exploration were encouraged.
Phalguni’s journey wasn’t easy. Crowdfunding her participation highlighted the supportive artist community that values shared growth. “It takes a village to raise an artist,” she reflects, grateful for the community that backed her when government or private funding wasn’t accessible.
“How can I make it work?” was the question she faced before embarking on her journey. The support she received proved that sometimes, all we need is the courage to ask.
The DSM Advantage: Taking Theatre Beyond Borders
DSM alumni like Mati, Chirag, Tushar, and Phalguni showcase the school’s commitment to building fearless, adaptable artists. Through its rigorous training, DSM instills a sense of resilience, collaboration, and innovation in students, equipping them to thrive in diverse cultural settings. Whether performing on stage or adapting to new artistic communities, DSM graduates are proving that theatre knows no boundaries.
Article written by Gargi Datar