World Theatre Day 2012 (March 27th)

I do feel seriously embarrassed that I almost missed World Theatre Day 2012. Me, yes. Someone who regularly attends theatre performances, writes about, reviews and promotes local theatre shows. I know. At least I have a good excuse: I was incredibly ill for the better part of a month.

Created in 1961 by UNESCO, World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27 by theatre communities around the globe. The impetus behind World Theatre Day is to honour and further UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute’s goals to:

• Celebrate the power of theatre as an indispensable bridge-builder for mutual international understanding and peace.
• Promote and protect cultural diversity and identity in communities throughout the world. Each year, a renowned theatre artist of world stature is invited to craft an International Message to mark the global occasion.

World Theatre Day begins the GVPTA’s campaign leading up to Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27. Bookending a span of three months with these two celebrations creates an extended opportunity to recognize the creativity of theatre artists in cultures and communities around the world, and grow local awareness of just how many of these cultures are at home here in Metro Vancouver.

This year’s actor’s message is by John Malkovich. Check out his message below. To my fellow theatre actors (yes, I used to be a theatre actor), stay strong. Even in a political and social climate that isn’t particularly conducive to artists, Vancouver (and British Columbia) actors have proven the quality of theatre we have in this wonderful city of ours. I look forward to checking more of your performances in the future.