World Theatre Day (WTD) is an international observance celebrated on 27 March. It was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute and each year their message is spread across stages around the world through dramatic performances.
World Theatre Day, initiated by the ITI in 1962, is celebrated every year across the globe on March 27.
The ITI executive council chooses a theatre personality to send a message on World Theatre Day every year.
The message for World Theatre Day 2021 has been written by renowned British theatre, film and television actress Helen Mirren.
‘The creative urge of writers, designers, dancers, singers, actors, musicians and directors will never be stifled and in the very near future with new energy and a new understanding of the world that we all share are flourishing again. This has been such a very difficult time for live performance and many artistes, technicians and craftsmen and women have struggled in a profession that is already fraught with insecurity,’ wrote Helen Mirren, adding, ‘Maybe that always present insecurity has made them more able to survive this pandemic with wit and courage. Their imagination has already translated itself, in these new circumstances, into inventive, entertaining and moving ways to communicate, thanks of course in large part to the internet. Human beings have told each other stories for as long as they have been on the planet. The beautiful culture of theatre will live for as long as we stay here. The creative urge of writers, designers, dancers, singers, actors, musicians, directors, will never be suffocated and in the very near future will flourish again with a new energy and a new understanding of the world we all share. I can’t wait!’