UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week
UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week celebrates the magic of live performance across cultures. It highlights voices that rise from every stage.
Artists, storytellers, and directors come together to share something real.
These stories spark laughter, stir emotion, and open new ways of seeing the world. From packed auditoriums to outdoor street corners, every space becomes alive with movement and meaning.
During this special week, messages travel far—spoken, written, and performed. The celebration spreads through schools, theaters, and online spaces.
Well-known artists send thoughts that echo in many languages and places.
Audiences feel something they can’t quite explain—but remember long after the curtain falls.
Each moment reminds us how theatre connects people, no matter where they are.
How to Celebrate UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week
There are many fun and meaningful ways to take part in UNESCO–ITI World Theater Week, no matter where you are.
Step into a Local Performance
Attend a live play in your area. Bring someone along and turn a night into an event that’s joyful and full of energy.
Meet local artists and cheer for their work. The connection with actors elevates everyday surroundings into something memorable.
Host a Short Play Challenge
Gather friends or neighbors. Set a timer and create a quick scene in just one or two days. Then perform it in a park, a backyard, or online.
That burst of creativity engages everyone fast and keeps things fun.
Volunteer for a Reading of the Message
Share the official theatre‑week message by reading it at a small local venue, perhaps a community center or school.
Invite a local performer or student to step up. Hearing that message live builds a real sense of connection.
Arrange a Backstage Tour
Invite neighbors or friends to peek behind the curtain. Show them where costumes, sets, or props live. That secret view sparks curiosity and appreciation for all the work the theatre demands.
Share Why Theatre Moves You
Record a short video, write a blog post, or post a message online explaining why you love live performance.
Use your own words to share that spark. Seeing what others value about theatre can inspire even more people.
Collaborate to Offer Free or Discounted Tickets
Team up with a nearby theatre or school. Offer free or lowered‑price seats to students, families, or first‑time visitors.
That gesture opens doors and lets more people feel theatre’s power firsthand.
History of UNESCO-ITI World Theater Week
World Theatre Day began in 1962, thanks to a bold idea from Arvi Kivimaa, head of the Finnish Centre of the International Theatre Institute. He introduced the idea during the ITI’s 1961 meeting in Vienna.
It quickly gained support, especially from other Nordic countries. The first official celebration took place the following year.
French writer Jean Cocteau wrote the opening message, which reached audiences in many places.
Since then, each year brings a new message from a different artist. These words appear in schools, theaters, and media across the globe.
In 2007, the Philippines expanded this celebration. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed a national proclamation that created UNESCO–ITI World Theater Week.
This observance stretches over several days and honors the value of stage art in Filipino culture. The event recognizes how theatre brings people together and sparks conversations that matter.
The ITI and UNESCO continue to support both events. World Theatre Day remains global, while the extended week thrives in the Philippines.
Together, they highlight how performance builds connection and creativity across borders. Every story told on stage carries a voice that adds something new to the world.
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