Do you know what World Theatre Day is about?
It is celebrated to make people aware of the value of theatre in all its forms. World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute ITI. It is celebrated annually on the 27th March by ITI Centres and the international theatre community. Various national and international theatre events are organized to mark this occasion. One of the most important of these is the circulation of the World Theatre Day Message through which at the invitation of ITI, a figure of world stature shares his or her reflections on the theme of Theatre and a Culture of Peace. The first World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962. Here is then presenting a few more facts about it.
What is World Theater Day?
World Theater Day has been celebrated in many and varied ways by ITI Centres - of which there are now more than 90 throughout the world. Moreover, theatres, theatre professionals, theatre lovers, theatre universities, academies, and schools celebrate it as well. It is commemorated to mainly pay tribute to theater as an art form in human society.
What does World Theater Day entail?
During this annual event each year an outstanding figure in theatre or a person outstanding in heart and spirit from another field is invited to share his or her reflections on theatre and international harmony. This speech which is known as ‘International Message’ is translated into more than 50 languages, read for tens of thousands of spectators before performances in theatres throughout the world, and printed in hundreds of daily newspapers. Furthermore, this message through several radio and television stations is transmitted to listeners in all corners of the five continents.
Who is the driving force behind the organization of World Theater Day?
The main pillars of ITI – the ITI Centres and Cooperating Members – are the mastermind responsible for the celebration of World Theatre Day in their country or region.
Who can celebrate World Theater day?
A celebration on the day itself or around it can be organized and promoted by anyone and everyone. Theatres, theatre and dance institutions, theatre and performing arts universities, government institutions, ministries of cultures, theatre and dance-makers, and theatre and dance lovers all over the world are invited to celebrate World Theatre Day.
ITI recommends that individuals or institutions who want to celebrate a day coordinate it with the ITI Centre or Cooperating Member in their country or region.
What is the objective behind celebrating World Theater Day?
Some of the main objectives behind celebrated World Theater Day are as follows:
a. To promote theatre in all its forms across the world.
b. To make people aware of the value of theatre in all its forms.
c. To enable theatre communities to promote their work on a broad scale so that governments and opinion leaders are aware of the value and importance of dance in all its forms and support it.
d. To enjoy theatre in all its forms for its own sake.
e. To share the joy of theatre with others.
World Theater Day 2021 will be celebrated online this year due to the pandemic. There will be 3 sessions of the videos. More importantly, these celebration videos will be available on Saturday 27 March 2021.