World Theatre Day: A Global Celebration of the Arts
World Theatre Day, celebrated annually on March 27, honors the transformative power of theatre. This international observance highlights the art form’s cultural significance, its role in fostering peace, and its ability to unite people across borders.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: March 27 every year.
- Tagged as: A celebration of theatre arts and its global impact.
- What’s the hashtag?: #WorldTheatreDay
- When was it founded?: 1961.
- Who founded it?: The International Theatre Institute (ITI), under UNESCO.
History of World Theatre Day
The idea for World Theatre Day was proposed in 1961 by Arvi Kivimaa of the Finnish Centre of the ITI during the 9th ITI World Congress in Vienna. The first celebration took place on March 27, 1962, aligning with the opening of the “Theatre of Nations” season in Paris. Since then, this day has been marked by international messages from renowned artists, starting with Jean Cocteau in 1962.
Timeline
- 1961: Proposal for World Theatre Day at ITI’s World Congress.
- 1962: First celebration; Jean Cocteau delivers the inaugural message.
- 1988: Introduction of annual themes emphasizing theatre’s role in peace and unity.
- 2021: Helen Mirren delivers a message highlighting theatre’s resilience during the pandemic.
Dates from 2025 to 2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 27 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 27 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 27 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 27 | Monday |
| 2029 | March 27 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | March 27 | Wednesday |
Observed
World Theatre Day is observed globally with performances, workshops, panel discussions, and outreach programs. The day also features the International Message, where a prominent figure shares reflections on theatre’s role in society.
Fun Facts About World Theatre Day
- The term “green room” originated from early theatres where actors waited in green-painted rooms to calm their nerves.
- Superstitions like avoiding peacock feathers on stage persist due to their association with bad luck.
- “The Phantom of the Opera” holds the record as Broadway’s longest-running show.
Quiz
- Who founded World Theatre Day?
- (a) UNESCO
- (b) International Theatre Institute (Answer)
- (c) Broadway League
- (d) Shakespeare Society
- What is always celebrated on March 27?
- (a) Opening night
- (b) World Theatre Day (Answer)
- (c) Drama Festival
- (d) Playwrights’ Gala
- Who wrote the first World Theatre Day message?
- (a) William Shakespeare
- (b) Jean Cocteau (Answer)
- (c) Henrik Ibsen
- (d) Sophocles
FAQs
Why is World Theatre Day celebrated?
To raise awareness about theatre’s cultural value and its role in fostering peace and unity.
Who can participate?
Anyone—from theatre professionals to enthusiasts—can join celebrations worldwide.
What is its recurring theme?
“Theatre and a Culture of Peace.”
Why do we celebrate World Theatre Day?
To raise awareness about the importance of theatre arts and their role in fostering cultural understanding and peace.
Who can participate in World Theatre Day?
Anyone! From professionals to enthusiasts, everyone who appreciates theatre can join.
Is there a specific theme every year?
While ITI does not designate a new theme annually, the overarching focus remains on “Theatre and a Culture of Peace.”
Related Topics
- History of theatre
- Famous playwrights like Shakespeare and Ibsen
- International Theatre Institute activities
- Celebrations of performing arts globally