Chicago Celebrates World Theatre Day

By Ben Thiem, Director of Member Services

A couple weeks ago I wrote about how we were having an exploratory meeting to discuss Chicago’s participation in World Theatre Day. To follow up, we had an excellent meeting with about a dozen companies and came up with a lot of great ideas. Some of which we will be able to implement this year and many others that we’ll look to bring to the table next year and beyond. What we all agreed on was that it was important for Chicago to be a part of this international festival. Thanks to all those that attended the meeting. Your enthusiasm and commitment to Chicago theatre is greatly appreciated. We are excited to participate in this international program for the first time. Check out our World Theatre Day page on ChicagoPlays.com for all this information and more.

To summarize our plan for March 27, 2009:
The League is going to help promote all the WTD activities as well as encourage theatre participation. We are excited to report that we will be getting a Mayoral proclamation of WTD. The Chicago celebration will culminate with a party in association with the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, following performances on the 27th. All Chicago theater patrons, artists and administrators are invited to attend this free event.

Chicago theatres are invited and encouraged to participate in a number of ways.

Chicago theatre patrons are encouraged to attend a performance on March 27. Click here to see all the shows playing on World Theatre Day.

Every year a renowned theater artist is asked to write a message for World Theatre Day. The 2009 World Theatre Day message was written by Augusto Boal, Brazilian director, writer and founder of Theatre of the Oppressed. Participating theatres are encouraged to read the statement before or after their performance that evening. The full statement can be found here.

Download a WTD program insert to include in your program book on March 27.

For More Information:


International Theatre Institute

World Theatre Day on Facebook

World Theatre Day on Twitter

World Theatre Day on Tumblr

World Theatre Day Blog