World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is annually observed across the globe on 20 March to raise awareness about the art of theatre for children and young people and highlight its importance and impact in communities.
- The day emphasizes the important role of theatre and performing arts in enhancing the lives of young people by offering opportunities for self-expression, learning, and cultural exposure.
Background:
i.‘World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People’ was established by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) (French: Association Internationale du Théâtre de l’Enfance et la Jeunesse) in 2001.
ii.The first-ever World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People was observed on 20th March 2001.
iii.The day gained recognition through the “Take a Child to the Theatre” campaign, launched in 2012, which encourages adults to introduce children to the world of theatre.
Note: ASSITEJ International is a worldwide platform that helps promote Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA).
Significance:
i.The Day serves as a platform for professionals, educators, and artists to advocate for children’s rights to access quality theatre and performing arts.
ii.It recognises children’s rights to participate in and experience the arts, aiming to ensure equal access to transformative theatre experiences.
World Performance Week:
World Performance Week is an initiative of ASSITEJ International, developed in collaboration with other international organisations involved in live performance arts. It celebrates a series of global art-focused days between March 20 and March 27:
- March 20 – ASSITEJ World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
- March 21 – Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA) World Puppetry Day
- March 22 – World Mime Organisation’s World Mime Day and
- March 27 – International Theatre Institute’s (ITI) World Theatre Day
Note:
- The first plays were performed in the Theatre of Dionysus, built in the shadow of the Acropolis in Athens at the beginning of the fifth century.
- The first movie theater to be built in India was Chaplin Cinema, also known as Elphinstone Picture Palace.
About International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ):
The ASSITEJ International Secretariat is located in Copenhagen, Denmark, while the registered office is in Bologna, Italy.
President – Sue Giles (ASSITEJ Australia / Theatre Network Australia)
Founded – 1965
