| World Theatre Day |
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The World Theatre Day was created in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), and is celebrated annually on 27 March. In 2012, however, in its 50th year, the day was celebrated on 22nd March in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Each year, at a ceremony held in UNESCO’s headquarters, a noted theatre personality gives an address on the condition of dramatic art and the global political situation. The address is translated into more than 20 languages, and broadcast by major radio and TV stations. This year’s message, marking the 50th anniversary of the World Theatre Day, was delivered by celebrated American theatre practitioner, film actor and director John Malkovich. This year’s World Theatre Day celebrations focused on the cultural diversity of theatre and its roots. The event was opened by Teatr ZAR, which gave a concert, Chants of the Christian East, prepared especially for the occasion, comprised of songs from the triptych ‘Gospels of Childhood’. The songs, which come from different vocal traditions – from Georgian liturgical chants to Armenian music to the Corsican Mass – have been collected and developed over many years during the ensemble’s expeditions and personal research.
Message for the 50th World Theatre Day I’m honored to have been asked by the International Theatre Institute ITI at UNESCO to give this greeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day. I will address my brief remarks to my fellow theatre workers, peers and comrades. May your work be compelling and original. May it be profound, touching, contemplative, and unique. May it help us to reflect on the question of what it means to be human, and may that reflection be blessed with heart, sincerity, candor, and grace. May you overcome adversity, censorship, poverty and nihilism, as many of you will most certainly be obliged to do. May you be blessed with the talent and rigor to teach us about the beating of the human heart in all its complexity, and the humility and curiosity to make it your life's work. And may the best of you – for it will only be the best of you, and even then only in the rarest and briefest moments – succeed in framing that most basic of questions, ‘how do we live?’ Godspeed. John Malkovich More: www.world-theatre-day.org |
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