Kingdom of Cards

Written by Rabindranath Tagore

Translated and Directed by Sukanya Chakrabarti

Adapted by Sukanya Chakrabarti and Matthew Spangler

What happens when a kingdom built on rigid rules and fragile power collides with the forces of laughter, desire, and rebellion?

Originally penned in 1933 by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Kingdom of Cards is a darkly whimsical and poetic satire that challenges authoritarianism, blind conformity, and materialistic greed. In this bold new adaptation, Sukanya Chakrabarti reimagines Tagore’s allegory through a contemporary lens, fusing magic realism with urgent political commentary.

Featuring the talents of student artists and community voices, and enriched by the evocative strains of Rabindrasangeet (Tagore’s own musical tradition), this production invites audiences to question systems of control—and rediscover the power of imagination, resistance, and the human spirit.

​In partnership with the South Asians in Silicon Valley Initiative at the SJSU King Library. This event is made possible thanks to the College of Humanities and the Arts' Artistic Excellence Programming Grant.