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27
Mar

WORLD THEATRE DAY 2012

27 Mar 2012

Today marks the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day. John Malkovich recorded a special message to mark this occassion last week at the International Theatre Institute at UNESCO in Paris. It can be viewed here and the full text of the message is below. The message has also been translated into many different languages.

Message of the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day

I’m honored to have been asked by the International Theatre
Institute ITI at UNESCO to give this greeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day. I will address my brief remarks to my fellow theatre workers, peers and comrades.

05 your work be compelling and original. 05 it be profound, touching, contemplative, and unique. 05 it help us to reflect on the question of what it means to be human, and 05 that reflection be blessed with heart, sincerity, candor, and grace. 05 you overcome adversity, censorship, poverty and nihilism, as many of you will most certainly be obliged to do. 05 you be blessed with the talent and rigor to teach us about the beating of the human heart in all its complexity, and the humility and curiosity to make it your life’s work. And 05 the best of you – for it will only be the best of you, and even then only in the rarest and briefest moments – succeed in framing that most basic of questions, “how do we live♣” Godspeed.

– John Malkovich   

The International Theatre Institute has been delivering messages to mark World Theatre Day since 1962. A full list of the artists that have been involved, including Peter Brook, Judi Dench and Arthur Miller, can be viewed here. Irish Theatre Institute is the official Irish Centre of the International Theatre Institute network.