Theatres Commemorate World Theatre Day

The idea to establish World Theatre Day was first put forward in Helsinki, and later in Vienna, during the 9th World Congress of the International Theatre Institute in June 1961. This was done on behalf of the Finnish Centre of ITI, led by its president, Arvi Kivimaa.

The National Centres of the International Theatre Institute ITI now have nearly 100 locations across the globe, and they celebrate World Theatre Day in many different and creative ways.

Each year, a prominent figure from the theatre community or a notable individual from another arena is invited to express their thoughts on theatre and the bonds between nations. This is known as the International Message, and it is translated into more than 20 different languages. It is shared with tens of thousands of audiences before performances in theaters globally and is also printed in hundreds of newspapers.

In the Czech Republic, we observe World Theatre Day with a special event called Theatre Night, which is held on the Saturday that is closest to March 27.