Hello readers, it’s Amir Hashmi, and in this blog post, I want to talk about a topic that is close to my heart – World Theatre Day. This day is celebrated every year on March 27th to raise awareness of the importance of theatre and to promote international exchange and cooperation in the field of theatre arts. In this post, I’ll be discussing the history of World Theatre Day, how it is celebrated in India, and the evolution of theatre over the years.
History of World Theatre Day
World Theatre Day was established by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961 to promote theatre arts and encourage international exchange and cooperation among theatre practitioners. The first World Theatre Day was celebrated on March 27th, 1962, and it has been celebrated annually on the same date ever since.
The date was chosen to commemorate the opening of the Théâtre des Nations in Paris in 1960, which marked a significant moment in the history of international theatre. Since then, World Theatre Day has become an important platform for theatre artists and organizations around the world to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and engage with audiences.
World Theatre Day in India
In India, World Theatre Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm by theatre practitioners and enthusiasts across the country. Various theatre groups and organizations organize events, performances, and workshops to mark the occasion.
The National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, which is India’s premier theatre training institute, celebrates World Theatre Day with a series of events and performances. NSD also organizes a national theatre festival called Bharat Rang Mahotsav, which is held every year in January and February.
Other prominent theatre festivals in India include the Prithvi Theatre Festival in Mumbai, the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) in Delhi, and the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) in Thrissur.
In addition to these festivals, several theatre groups and organizations across India also use World Theatre Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about important social and cultural issues through their performances and events.
The Evolution of Theatre
Theatre has been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. The earliest recorded theatrical performance was in ancient Greece in the 5th century BCE. Theatre in ancient Greece was a part of religious festivals, and the plays were mostly tragedies and comedies that dealt with moral and social issues.
Over time, theatre evolved and spread across the world. In medieval Europe, theatre was performed in churches and later in public squares. Shakespearean theatre in Elizabethan England is considered one of the golden ages of theatre, with the works of William Shakespeare still being performed today.
In the 20th century, theatre evolved again, with the emergence of new styles such as Expressionism, Surrealism, and Absurdism. These movements sought to push the boundaries of traditional theatre and explore new forms of expression.
Today, theatre continues to evolve, with new technologies and innovations allowing for even more experimentation and creativity. Theatre is also becoming more inclusive and diverse, with practitioners from different cultures and backgrounds contributing to the art form.
World Theatre Day is a celebration of the rich history and evolution of theatre, as well as an opportunity to promote international exchange and cooperation among theatre practitioners. In India, World Theatre Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with various theatre festivals and events showcasing the talent and creativity of theatre artists across the country.
Theatre has come a long way since its early origins in ancient Greece, but its importance as a medium for exploring the human experience and promoting social and cultural awareness remains as strong as ever. So let’s continue to celebrate and support theatre, and all the artists who bring it to life!
Amir Hashmi 