World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27.

Designated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961, this day celebrates the essence, beauty, and importance of theatre arts, their significant role in entertainment, and the symbolic impact that theatre has on life.

This day also serves to inform governments, politicians, institutions, and stakeholders around the world who have not yet realized the value of theatre to the people and its potential for economic growth.

Every year, the theme for World Theatre Day is “Theatre and a Culture of Peace.”

History

Since ancient Greece, theatre has been a popular form of art and entertainment — thrilling its audiences and leaving them in awe. Not only does it entertain and educate, but theatre also combines various art forms to give its live audience a real stage experience, which they can’t find anywhere else.

World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27, promoted by the ITI through its centers, and supported by theatre communities all over the world. The day was initiated by ITI, following President Arvi Kivimaa’s June 1961 proposal at the ninth World Congress of the ITI in Vienna — on behalf of the ITI’s Finnish Centre — for a World Theatre Day to be instituted. The proposal was supported by the Scandinavian centers of the ITI and publicized with enthusiasm.

The next year — on March 27, 1962, World Theatre Day was celebrated by ITI centers, ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, and theatre organizations. Today, the day is celebrated in the 90+ ITI centers throughout the world, with theatre universities, academies, schools, and theatre lovers all around the globe joining in the day’s observance.

Different events are organized to mark World Theatre Day every year. A prominent feature of these annual events is the World Theatre Day International Message, presented by a famous art figure, reflecting on the history of theatre and a culture of peace in today’s world. The first World Theatre Day International Message was written by French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau in 1962. In 2021, the Message of the World Theatre Day was authored by Helen Mirren, a multi-award-winning British actress reputed for winning the Academy Award in 2007 for her performance in “The Queen.”

What to do on World Theatre Day

Visit your local theatre
Pay a visit to your local theatre; they usually hold World Theatre Day events every year. You could support the ancient art form by buying tickets to see some of their performances, or by donating to their affiliated organizations.

Join a World Theatre Day event
Many of the celebrations happen at ITI centers and designated locations around the world, and ITI encourages everyone celebrating this day to use their creativity for its promotion. You could search for theatre associations or organizations in your locality in advance, and make plans to join the event in your community. Can’t do any of the above? Read/hear the World Theatre Day International Message and share it on social media with the hashtag #WorldTheaterDay.

Involve your children
Young or old — regardless of gender — theatre is for everyone to enjoy. World Theatre Day is a great opportunity to get your children into the theatre.

Information above was freely taken from this website.