March 27: World Theatre Day

Céline Arétin, culture, women's issues and environment correspondent, March 27, 2025

Origin of World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day, created in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), is celebrated every March 27 to promote the performing arts.

The artists who shaped the history of theatre

William Shakespeare (1564-1616), English playwright, revolutionized theatre with works such as "Hamlet," "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet." Molière (1622-1673), master of French comedy, left behind plays such as "The Misanthrope" and "Tartuffe," humorously criticizing the flaws of society. In Russia, Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) shaped theatre with his psychological dramas such as "The Cherry Orchard" and "Uncle Vanya," offering portraits of characters searching for meaning. Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956), German playwright, introduced epic theatre in works such as "Mother Courage and Her Children," encouraging audiences to reflect rather than identify with the characters. In Africa, Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate in literature, blended Yoruba traditions with contemporary forms in works such as "Death and the King's Horseman."

The benefits of theatre

Theatre builds self-confidence by encouraging performers to express themselves in front of an audience. For example, workshops such as those offered by the company "Les Enfants du Spectacle" help shy children overcome social anxiety by playing different characters, while also boosting their creativity. Educationally, plays such as "Antigone" by Jean Anouilh or "Rhinoceros" by Eugène Ionesco are often used to illustrate philosophical and political concepts. Theatre also strengthens communication skills; companies such as Google and L'Oréal run training programs based on theatrical improvisation to improve public speaking and stress management. Finally, in hospitals, companies such as "Clowns Z'hôpitaux" bring comfort to sick children through a theatrical approach.

Behind the scenes of a theatrical performance

Preparation begins months in advance with the work of the director, who leads the rehearsals. Meanwhile, costume designers create outfits faithful to the era and characters, while set designers build sometimes monumental sets. For instance, during the staging of "Cyrano de Bergerac" at the Théâtre du Châtelet, an entire building façade was recreated on stage. Technical stage managers handle lighting and sound effects. Backstage, dressers help performers quickly change costumes between scenes, as with the rapid changes in Moulin Rouge revue shows. Prompters, meanwhile, quietly feed actors their lines if they forget them. Finally, stagehands operate the sets and ensure they work properly, such as opening a secret trapdoor.