When is World Theatre Day in 2024? As a rule the answer to this question is known quite well. However, the people, who are ready to reply you immediately and without any hesitations are usually the representatives of a particular society. They are called theatergoers. Are you among them? – If your answer is negative, join us today and we will introduce you something new.
History
Talking about the matter what day Theatre Day in 2024 is, we can’t but mention the historical background of this event. As a rule, our followers are glad to find out something new about the past of the holidays.
The very first mention about the theaters dated back to about 497 BC. When the original written sources were found, the historians received the evidence. Following those documents, in the Ancient Times there was a particular holiday, which was dedicated to the god Dionysus. People wanted to glorify the deity and organized a merry performance.
In its turn, the very first theater building appeared in Rome in 55 BC. On the stage actors and actresses performed various poems, short plays, songs, legends and myths.
The International Theater Day has been held annually since 1962. The festival was founded in 1961 in Vienna. In fact, it happened during the IX Congress of the International Theater Institute.
The International Theater Institute is a worldwide international theater organization established by UNESCO in 1948 in Prague. It rules the establishment of contact between theaters of different countries as well as the exchange of information. The official centers of this organization have been already in 100 countries.
Meaning of World Theatre Day 2024
What does World Theatre Day mean? Well, we are not sure that it is possible to answer this question instead of you. Tastes differ and in the 21st century everybody is free to choose which holidays to celebrate and which one to forget completely without any hesitations and regrets.
All in all, we can’t but mention that the modern Theater Day is a holiday for all theater workers, not just for actors and actresses. There is a good proverb “Theater begins with a hanger.” In fact it means that there are no minor professions here.
Thus this day is also celebrated by various kinds of directors, different producers, sound engineers, screenwriters, lighting engineers, cloakroom attendants and ticket agents.
Following the tradition, this special occasion is always held under the motto “Theaters as a global means of mutual understanding and strengthening peace between various nations.”
Definition
Investigating the question “When is International Theatre Day 2024?” we found out a lot of amazing facts. Today we want to share some of them with you.
For example, do you know that the word “theater” is of the Greek origin? In fact, it comes from “theatron” and initially it meant just a place for spectacles or a performance itself. The people saw the theater as a kind of art, as well as a building designed especially to present dramatic works to the public.
Theatrical performance is always a holiday. And on this holiday the world’s leading theaters usually show their most successful performances and organize festivals. Moreover, we should admit this applies to both large and small scenes around the world.
On the International Theater Day, it is customary to congratulate all those who take part in the creation of performances – actors, directors, producers, costume designers, make-up artists, stage workers, decorators and, of course, the audience. After all, during a good performance, people, who are sitting in the hall, become an integral part of the performance, don’t they?
Have you ever wondered why people go to the theater at all? After all, now, in the 21st century, you can watch movies and performances without leaving the computer! In fact, it means that it is possible to plunge into the world of art without even getting up from the couch.
But, agree, nothing will replace the live acting, their feelings in real time, contact with the audience, improvisation, a sense of belonging and energy that comes from the stage.
Theatre Day Traditions
When is Theatre Day in 2024, calendar will surely remind you. As it has been mentioned above the special occasion is fixed and it simultaneously means that it is kept on the same date regularly. You may join any March 27th you like.
As you perhaps understand, this event has definite traditions. The local authorities usually organize something special devoted to this particular day. Their representatives come to the halls of the leading theaters, congratulate and from time to time even to award actors and actresses.
Every year on March 27th, the International Institute of Theater invites a famous theatrical person. He or she should address the global community with a message. As a rule, it is an international appeal. By the way, we can’t but mention that the first performance of this kind was made in 1962 by Jean Cocteau, a French writer, screenwriter, theater and film director.
This speech is always translated into not less than world 50 languages. They are read to tens of thousands of spectators. It usually happens before the performance in theaters. No matter where you live now, you can hear this speech in small as well as in big theatres and around the world. Sometimes they are also published in newspapers.
Are you planning to join the celebration this year? – In fact, there is nothing difficult in it! Join the nearest theatre and watch something really unusual. You can go there alone or in the company of your relatives, friends or even colleagues from work. On March 27th the performances are usually very interesting and you will get a perfect experience.
And in the evening you may have a good talking about the play itself, about the actors, about everything. It is up to you to choose the theme, but we are sure that you will definitely like and memorize this day. Just try and you will see. By the way, sometimes people organize a theatre at home. They choose a play and play their roles. It is going to be a cool idea, isn’t it?
World Theatre Day Facts
So, you have already got the answer to the question “What is the date of Theatre Day?” And we hope you have memorized it and will be happy to join. However, this holiday is not as ordinary as it may seem at the first sight. The event involves a lot of interesting details and some of them we are going to represent you today. Here is our list:
In the past, most spectators in theaters watched the play standing up, and only particularly important guests could sit. Special chairs or armchairs for them were placed only in the front rows.
In North America, there is an interesting theater, where you can’t buy a ticket, and pay for the show in barter, such as food.
For a long time, men or boys played female roles in theatrical performances. But already in the Middle Ages women began to be given roles, but they played mostly stupid servants, whom everyone laughed at.
Conversely, in Japan until the 17th century, only women played in kabuki theaters. And only then all the roles were given to men due to the fact that the situation in women’s theater troupes was far from moral.
By the way, the expression “Finita la comedia” appeared in ancient Rome. It ended all performances.
