1. World Theatre Day, established by the International Theatre Institute in 1961,
celebrates one of the oldest and most vibrant forms of artistic expression of humanity.
The history of theatre goes back to the beginnings of language itself, and its various
forms of expression reflect our common cultural diversity. UNESCO protects and
values the dozens of theatrical forms inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity, such as the Kumiodori, the traditional musical theatre of
Okinawa (Japan), the Mystery Play of Elche (Spain) and the Mak Yong Theatre
(Cambodia).
Theatre is much more than a form of entertainment. By its immediacy, by the comic
or tragic relation that it alone builds between the stage and the public, theatre is a
unique lever of expression, reflection and sharing. As a living art par excellence, the
theatre depicts the truths, dramas and universal questions that structure human
societies and allow them to represent themselves, even at decisive moments. In post-
conflict situations in particular, culture and theatre help communities to resume
dialogue, accelerate reconciliation. We have seen this in Chad, for example, in 2014,
on the occasion of a project led by the ITI with the support of UNESCO's International
Fund for Cultural Diversity.
The International Theatre Institute, founded in 1948 by UNESCO, is an essential
partner in bringing this message to life and in promoting theatre. Together, we
commemorate our commitment to support governments in adopting creative policies,
developing the activities of producers, artists and theatre groups, and through them
the entire family and the know-how of culture and entertainment, as a force for peace
and development.
Irina Bokova
Message from Ms Irina Bokova,
Director-General of UNESCO
on the occasion of World Theatre Day
27 March 2017
