Find out what to do on World Theatre Day
The day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute.
TODAY, March 27, the globe commemorates World Theatre Day.
The day is a celebration for those who see the value and importance of the art form of theatre. It also acts as a wake-up call for governments, politicians and institutions that have not yet recognised theatre’s value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth. ITI Centres, ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, theatre organisations, theatre universities, and theatre lovers all over the world have celebrated this day since 1962. The day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute.
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Commenting about the day, Nonjabulo Shelembe, an actress from Bawinile Foundation, which is a Pinetown-based non-profit organisation (NPO) that specialises in the welfare and substantial development of artists, said the day is to raise awareness of the importance of theatre around the world.
“The day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of theatre art and the role of entertainment and to highlight how it can be used to foster peace and economic development. Theatre opens us up to experiencing different perspectives that we may not be aware of or have contemplated,” she said. Nonjabulo added that the day provides opportunities for theatrical communities to put forward their work on a large scale.
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The foundation’s scriptwriter, Ayanda Ntsethe, described the day as one that brings good memories of the theatre to her mind. “The day makes me think of the good times I’ve had at the theatre, and that makes me smile. We need to use the day to promote awareness of the positivity that theatre has brought into people’s lives, and how it has helped them develop their artistic skills,” she said.
When asked what the public should do on the day, Ayanda advised that they should pay a visit to their local theatres. “Local theatres usually hold World Theatre Day events every year. You could support the artists by buying tickets to see some of their performances or by donating to their affiliated organisations,” Ayanda added.
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