World Theatre Day is observed annually across the globe on 27th March to honor theatre’s cultural significance and its role in fostering global unity.
- The day underscores theatre’s power to bridge cultural divides, inspire dialogue, and promote peace.
- March 27, 2025, marks the 63rd World Theatre Day.
Note: The day has been celebrated each year by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Centres and the international theatre community.
Background:
i.World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute ITI, the World Organization for the Performing Arts, which was founded in 1948 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) and the International Council for Theatre.
ii.The 1st World Theatre Day was observed on 27 March 1962, coinciding with the date of the opening of the “Theatre of Nations” season in Paris, France.
Goals of World Theatre Day:
i.To promote theatre in all its forms across the world.
ii.To make people aware of the value of theatre in all its forms.
iii.To help theatre communities showcase their work widely so that governments and leaders recognize the value of dance and support it.
iv.To enjoy theatre in all its forms for its own sake.
v.To share the joy for theatre with others. reframe
World Theatre Day Message:
i.Each year, a distinguished figure in the theatre community is selected by ITI to compose the World Theatre Day Message, reflecting on the theme of “Theatre and a Culture of Peace.”
- The 2025 World Theatre Day message is authored by Theodoros Terzopoulos (Greece), a renowned theatre director, educator, and Chairman of the International Committee of Theatre Olympics in Lausanne (Switzerland).
ii.This message is translated into over 50 languages, fostering a global dialogue on the unifying power of theatre.
Note: The 1st World Theatre Day Message in 1962 was written by Jean Cocteau, French writer, playwright, and director.
2025 Events:
The 2025 World Theatre Day events will occur from 27–30 March 2025 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), co-organized by ITI and the Brazilian Centre of ITI.
- Performances from Brazil, South Korea, China, Thailand, Chile, and others will showcase diverse theatrical traditions.
ITI World Congress:
i.The ITI World Congresses provide a platform for ITI members and performing arts professionals to meet, exchange ideas, and encourage collaboration.
- These congresses have been held annually, biannually, and more recently, every three years.
ii.The 37th ITI World Congress 2024 was held in Antwerp (the Flemish part of Belgium) and Den Bosch (the Netherlands), under the theme ‘Embrace and Connect’.
Note:
- The origins of Indian theatre can be located in the Rigveda, which features hymns presented as dialogues and scenes.
- • The Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), the oldest association of theatre artists in India, was formed in 1943 during British rule.
- Ebrahim Alkazi, known as the “Father of Indian Theatre”.
About International Theatre Institute (ITI):
Director General (DG) – Tobias Biancone
Headquarters – Shanghai, China
Formed – 1948
