World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute ITI. 

A key part of this event is a key speaker giving a speech on the theme of Theatre and a Culture of Peace. The first World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962. In his speech, he describes how in theatre audiences have an “almost childlike soul, leaving its beliefs and opinions in the cloakroom, ready to pick them up again after the performance.” His words have become key to the goals of World Theatre Day, speaking about the magic of theatre, and its unifying force. 

(John Cocteau, Speaker for the first World Theatre Day)

In the event’s aims they describe sharing joy, and enjoyment of theatre, as well as promoting theatre in all its forms worldwide. But key to the event is also raising an awareness of the value of theatre, particularly to help gain support from governments and opinion leaders.  

The Laramie Project, written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project was a reaction to the murder of Matthew Shepard. In 1998, the 21-year-old student was attacked due to his sexual orientation. The play has helped to tackle homophobia, raising awareness in schools, and inspiring individuals. After viewing the project, Dan Walton donated over 500 books and other media to the University of Wyoming’s Rainbow Resource Center. The campus office remains the largest LGBTQ library in the state of Wyoming. In 2009, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was passed in response to the murders.  

(A 2008 production of The Laramie Project at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School)

Through storytelling, an audience is allowed to adopt the “child-like soul” described by Jean Cocteau. Audiences generate empathy for the characters and storyline they see on stage, and allows a space for diverse voices they may not otherwise hear. It is a platform that can reflect complex struggles in a way easier for the audience to understand.