World Theatre Day 2025: Celebrating the Art and Legacy of Theatre

World Theatre Day, celebrated annually on March 27th, is an international observance initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961 to recognize the significance of theatre. The theme for World Theatre Day 2025 is “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”, highlighting its role in fostering peace and understanding through storytelling and performances.

Introduction

Theatre is one of the oldest forms of art, transcending time and cultures to narrate stories, evoke emotions, and inspire change. Beyond entertainment, it holds historical, educational, and societal significance. Theatre represents life, providing a mirror to society and an avenue for human expression.

As the French writer Victor Hugo famously said, “Life is a theatre set in which there are but few practicable entrances.” Once the curtains rise and the spotlight shines, the magic of theatre begins.

History of World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day was first celebrated in 1962 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI). The date, March 27th, was chosen to mark the opening of the “Theatre of Nations” season in Paris. Over the years, more than 90 ITI Centres worldwide have celebrated this day with various national and international theatre events. It is a day when theatre professionals, enthusiasts, and institutions come together to appreciate the art form and its impact.

Significance of World Theatre Day

This day plays a crucial role in:

• Promoting Theatre as an Art Form – Theatre is not just about performance; it is a medium for storytelling, education, and social transformation.
• Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding – Theatre allows people to experience different cultures, emotions, and perspectives.
• Encouraging Governments to Support Theatre – Governments and policymakers are reminded of theatre’s contribution to society and its potential for economic growth.
• Highlighting the Power of Performance – Theatre helps in raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and bringing about change.

The Purpose of World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day is a celebration of the value and significance of theatre. It serves as an alert to:

• Governments and policymakers who have yet to recognize its importance.
• Institutions and organizations that should invest in theatre’s growth and development.
• The general public, encouraging appreciation and participation in theatre.
• Artists and theatre professionals to continue their craft and inspire future generations.

History of Indian Theatre

Indian theatre has a rich and diverse history dating back to Vedic times. The foundation of Indian theatre is Natya Shastra, written between 2000 BCE and the 4th century CE, which serves as the oldest and most detailed text on drama and performance.

Evolution of Indian Theatre

1. Vedic Period – The Rigveda contains hymns structured as dialogues and dramatic scenes.
2. Sanskrit Theatre (2nd Century BCE – 10th Century CE) – Flourished with playwrights like Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Shudraka. It declined due to foreign invasions.
3. Regional Folk Theatre – Various traditional forms emerged in different parts of India:

• Jatra (Bengal)
• Nautanki (Uttar Pradesh)
• Yakshagana (Karnataka)
• Bhavai (Gujarat)

Street Theatre (Mid-19th Century) – Became a medium for social awareness and revolution. Popular forms included:

• Rahs (Punjab)
• Nautanki (Uttar Pradesh)
• Jatra (Bengal)

British Influence (1920s Onwards) – Theatre evolved with Western influences, introducing realism.

Post-Independence Theatre (1947 onwards) – Formation of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) in 1943 to promote socially relevant plays.

• Renowned Theatre Academies in India
• National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi
• Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune
• Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata
• Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT), Noida
• Distinguished Theatre Personalities in India
• Ebrahim Alkazi – “Father of Indian Theatre”
• Utpal Dutt – Revolutionary playwright and director
• Rabindranath Tagore – Fused Indian drama with Western influences
• Girish Karnad – Pioneer of Modern Indian playwriting
• Prithviraj Kapoor – Founder of Prithvi Theatre
• B Jayashree, Khaled Choudhury, and Makarand Deshpande – Prominent contributors to Indian theatre
• Actors with a Strong Theatre Background
• Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Rajkummar Rao, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, and many more.

Why Theatre is Still Important Today

1. Encourages Different Perspectives – Theatre allows audiences to step into different worlds and empathize with various characters.
2. Promotes Education and Literacy – Students involved in theatre perform better academically.
3. Builds Community and Togetherness – Theatre fosters unity by sharing collective experiences.
4. Enhances Critical Thinking – Immediate reactions from the audience encourage analytical skills.
5. Reflects and Influences Society – Theatre represents and critiques real-world issues, sparking change.
6. Boosts Creativity – Encourages artistic expression and imagination.
7. Provides a Unique Experience – Live performances offer an irreplaceable, immersive experience.
8. Helps in Understanding Different Cultures – Exposure to global theatre traditions broadens perspectives.

Even in an era of digital entertainment, the charm of live theatre remains unparalleled. The thrill of watching actors perform in real time continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Summary of the Table

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	World Theatre Day 2025 observed on March 27th with the theme “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”.
Initiated by	International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961.
Significance	Celebrates theatre’s role in storytelling, education, and social transformation.
Indian Theatre History	Originates from Vedic times; formalized through Natya Shastra.
Famous Personalities	Ebrahim Alkazi, Girish Karnad, Prithviraj Kapoor, Rabindranath Tagore and more.
Renowned Theatre Academies	NSD, FTII, SRFTI, AAFT.
Why Theatre is Important	Encourages education, creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
Current Relevance	Theatre continues to thrive despite digital entertainment due to its live and immersive nature.

World Theatre Day 2025 continues to emphasize the power of theatre in shaping societies and fostering peace. Whether as an actor, director, writer, or audience member, theatre remains an integral part of human culture.