World Theatre Day is annually observed on March 27. This day, designated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961, honours the substance, beauty, and significance of theatre arts, as well as their significant role in entertainment and symbolic impact on daily life. This day also informs governments, politicians, institutions, and stakeholders around the globe who have not yet recognised the economic growth potential and value of theatre to the general public.
The background of World Theatre Day
Since ancient Greece, theatre has been a popular form of art and entertainment, enthralling and awe-inspiring its audiences. In addition to entertaining and educating its live audience, theatre incorporates various art forms to provide them with an unparalleled stage experience.
The 27th of March is observed annually as World Theatre Day, which is promoted by the ITI through its centres and supported by theatre communities worldwide. Following President Arvi Kivimaa’s June 1961 proposition at the ninth World Congress of the ITI — on behalf of the ITI’s Finnish Centre — that a World Theatre Day be instituted, ITI established the day. The proposal was enthusiastically promoted and supported by the ITI’s Scandinavian centres.
The following year, on March 27, 1962, ITI centers, ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, and theatre organisations celebrated World Theatre Day. Today, the day is observed in more than 90 ITI centres across the globe, with theatre universities, academies, schools, and theatre enthusiasts from all over the world participating.
Every year, a variety of events are organised to celebrate World Theatre Day. The World Theatre Day International Message, delivered by a renowned artist and reflecting on the history of theatre and a culture of harmony in the modern world, is a prominent feature of these annual events. In 1962, French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau penned the inaugural World Theatre Day International Message. Helen Mirren, a multi-award-winning British actress renowned for winning the Academy Award in 2007 for her performance in “The Queen,” authored the Message of World Theatre Day in 2021.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
WORLD THEATRE DAY ACTIVITIES
Attend the local theatre.
Pay a visit to your local theatre; World Theatre Day celebrations are typically held annually. You could support the ancient art form by attending one of their performances or by making a donation to one of their affiliated organisations. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even enrol in a theatre programme to study music and acting. In addition, you can turn it a group activity by recruiting additional participants.
Attend a World Theatre Day gathering.
The majority of celebrations take place at ITI centres and other designated locations around the globe, and ITI encourages everyone celebrating this day to use their creativity to promote it. You could investigate local theatre associations or organisations in advance and make arrangements to attend the event in your community. Can’t perform any of the preceding? Read/listen to the World Theatre Day International Message and share it with the hashtag #WorldTheaterDay on social media.
Include your youngsters.
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, can appreciate the theatre. World Theatre Day is an excellent occasion to introduce your children to the theatre. There are numerous shows they can appreciate, including “The Lion King,” “The Tiger Who Came to Tea,” and the two-part “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” They would unquestionably be delighted, entertained, and enlightened!
5 Interesting Theatre Facts
In March 1585, the Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theatre) in Vicenza, Italy, which is widely regarded as the world’s oldest theatre, held its first performance.
The Kremlhoftheater in Austria is the world’s smallest routinely operating theater, with only eight seats.
The longest-running Broadway show in history, ”The Phantom of the Opera” has been operating since 1988 and has grossed an estimated $6 billion. It has been performed in 15 languages to over 140 million people in 35 countries and 166 cities worldwide.
New York City is the city with the most theatres in the globe, with 420, surpassing Paris, which has 353, Tokyo, which has 230, and London, which has 214.
In England, it was illegal for women to perform until 1660, when King Charles II mandated that all female roles be played by women.
WORLD THEATRE DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | March 27 | Monday |
2024 | March 27 | Wednesday |
2025 | March 27 | Thursday |
2026 | March 27 | Friday |
2027 | March 27 | Saturday |