World Theatre Day – A Celebration!
"Theatre Arts", the word might sound familiar but the knowledge about it is very less amongst most of us in the world. Theatre is an art form which brings in live performers to present an event or awareness to a live audience. A bold aspect of it in making the society or its audience at least, change their attitudes, values, and beliefs about an issue and to do something about it, has made it stand out amongst other art forms. It is a widely recognized entertainment platform that has broken gender stereotypes, which in turn has made it a strongly accepted art amongst other newer sources of entertainment. The younger generations have understood its impact on humanity and have started preparing themselves to pursue Theatre Arts as a career.
We, as responsible citizens should always be a pillar of support and keep such changes even more vibrant to make sure that the art form receives its recognition to the highest. One such initiative to celebrate "Theatre arts" is the "World Theatre Day"
- A DAY DEDICATED TO CELEBRATE THEATRE ARTS
Yes, Why not? Theatre holds high importance in many countries including India. Theatre Arts is an extension of our culture. Our ancestors have contributed a lot to this art form. The most noted personality among them is “Bharatha Muni” who has gifted us “Natya Shastra” - A theoretical written work on Indian Dramaturgy and Art forms. In ancient days, the theatre was the major contributor to the entertainment industry and also been a platform where yesteryear performers were given a strong foundation, which still remains as a reference to current performers in the entertainment industry.
Theatre, with so much brilliance and fineness has given a platform to artists to convey their emotions and message across to a wider audience and therefore it definitely needs a day to be celebrated. Only when something is celebrated, we ensure to know more about it. In order to create an awareness of theatre art and to spread the message about protecting the performing art forms, this specific date was curated – 27th March
- WHO INITIATED IT AND WHEN?
With due respect towards this art form, The International Theatre Institute(ITI), the world's largest performing art organization created this day on “March 27th, 1961” to appreciate the artists and encourage performing arts as a means of infotainment. The first famous theatre personality to address the world message on that day was “Jean Cocteau - A renowned French poet. This day is observed every year and looked upon by artists all over the world.
- HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
The ITI holds several national and international events and theatre shows across the world in its member countries to mark the importance of “Theatre arts” and also convey a message to the governments across the nations to provide free spaces for theatre groups and acknowledge their work with due respect.
A highly acclaimed theatre personality is invited by ITI to speak about the importance of Theatre and motivate people to take up Theatre as a profession or passion.
Last year's celebration in 2019 had Carlos Celdran, an award-winning and esteemed theatre director, playwright and professor to present his work as a message to the entire theatre community.
The Author of the World Theatre Day Message 2020 is Shahid Nadeem, who is Pakistan’s leading playwright and the head of the renowned Ajoka Theatre.
Shahid Nadeem has written more than 50 original plays in Punjabi and Urdu and several adaptations of Brecht’s plays. His plays are always looked upon as he skillfully combines contemporary social and political themes with traditional forms and folk heritage.
One of the notable celebrations of the “World Theatre Day” in India was in 2018. ITI celebrated the day by organizing Ranghothra-Theatrethon (Theatre Marathon) in the city of Surat. The Marathon staged 80 plays with more than 250 artists in 24 hours. The plays were in six different languages Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, Gujarati, English, and Bengali which was also an attempt for the World record.
“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players”
William Shakespeare
To all the respected artists, performers & wonderful audience out there, I convey my “WORLD THEATRE DAY” wishes
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