WorldTheatre Day – March 27th 2023 by

Natalie McCulloch

Laurence Olivier once stated that “I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theatre is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture”. Considering this, it would appear Cardiff is most certainly a city to be complimented for its culture!

Cardiff itself is fortunate to house an array of theatres, arts and performance venues and offer opportunities to be involved in the culture of art and entertainment on various levels. The Welsh Millennium Centre, St David’ s Hall, Chapter Arts Centre, The Sherman Theatre, The Theatre Café in Roath and even an open-air theatre in Sophia Gardens are just some of the local theatre prospects on our doorsteps.

Whether you’re an entertainment enthusiast or new to the arts, March is an excellent month to consider immersing yourself in the joy of theatre!

March 27th celebrates ‘World Theatre Day’ which has been marked internationally since 1962 to promote theatre in all its forms worldwide and to make people aware of the value, work and enjoyable opportunities which arts/dance and entertainment brings to communities. Alongside this, the day is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form “theatre”, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.

Oscar Wilde once remarked that “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

Theatres are far from a modern affair. Since ancient Greece, theatre has been a popular form of art and entertainment existing to entertain and educate audiences whilst thrilling them with a real stage experience and leaving them in awe. The poet and tragedian Thespis is said to have arrived in Athens with his troupe in 534BC to perform in the marketplace and the first stone theatre was built in 55BC by Pompey the Great in Rome, all these years later theatre is seen as an enjoyable pastime by many and involvement in theatre provides meaningful occupation and opportunity for an array of followers.

The theme for World Theatre Day every year is “Theatre and a Culture of Peace” as The International Theatre Institute (ITI) envisions a world that puts strong value and importance on the performing arts. The ITI foresees:-

• A world in which performing artists are able to work and present their creative ideas to audiences.

• A world in which local, regional and national authorities, sponsors and donors, invest in the performing arts.

• A world in which education in the performing arts and related subjects are offered at all levels of education .

• A world in which the performing arts –especially theatre – are used in communities, for development, for mutual understanding and for building peace in conflict zones.

• A world in which diverse cultures and expressions are safeguarded and innovation is promoted.

There are many ways in which you can celebrate the theatre on March 27th and beyond, why not look at attending a show in one of Cardiff’s amazing venues? C onsider volunteering at your local theatre? Or even consider being more hands on by contacting a club or scheme that offers involvement opportunities both on and off stage?

Taya Hazlewood, performing arts student and founder of the Instagram blog ‘loveforbroadwaymusicals’ deduces “Theatre is very important to me, mainly because its gotten me through my tough times. Theatre and musicals represent a magic world that I feel as if I can escape to. I find that people who like theatre and take part in theatre are all kind and caring. I enjoy talking about what they do and why they do it ; their personal experiences and journeys. Volunteering at the Wales Millennium Centre is a huge hobby of mine, again its filled with people who love theatre, there’s always something to talk about. I adore meeting new people and it has really helped a lot with my confidence.

If you are interested in exploring the avenues of the arts, but feel limited by confidence, finances or personal circumstances fear not, help is at hand.

• Hynt is a national access scheme that works with theatres and arts centres in Wales to make sure there is a consistent offer available for visitors with an impairment or specific access requirement, and their Carers or Personal Assistants.

• Individual venues also have their own schemes, for example: Wales M illennium Centre offer a community ticketing scheme which gives people who wouldn’t normally have a chance to engage in the arts the same opportunities as those who attend and engage frequently. Their community ambassadors are committed to engaging communities in conversation about the work that they produce and present. They are committed to creating opportunities, offering training and mentoring and develop informal volunteering that builds better relationships and understanding between arts and communities.

• Cardiff has various ‘theatre’ themed clubs/ groups such as those found on meetup.com where you can meet like minded people to discuss, promote and attend shows.

So, if you’re stuck for something to put a spring in your step this March, why not consider exploring the amazing world of entertainment and arts, you may just surprise yourself!