International Theatre Institute

International Theatre Institute
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Name	International Theatre Institute
Headquarters	Paris, France
Parent organization	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

International Theatre Institute is a global organization that aims to promote theatre and dance worldwide, founded in 1948 by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and Theatre professionals such as Kenneth Macgowan and Joris Ivens. The organization has its headquarters in Paris, France, and is affiliated with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, working closely with other organizations like International Association of Theatre Critics and Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films. The International Theatre Institute has been involved in various projects, including the creation of the Theatre of Nations festival, which features performances from Royal Shakespeare Company, Comédie-Française, and Moscow Art Theatre. The organization has also collaborated with renowned artists like Ariane Mnouchkine, Peter Brook, and Tadeusz Kantor.

● History

The International Theatre Institute was established in 1948 with the goal of promoting international cooperation and exchange in the field of theatre and dance, inspired by the Ballets Russes and the Dada movement. The organization's early years were marked by the involvement of prominent figures like Jean-Louis Barrault, Charles Dullin, and Vsevolod Meyerhold, who played a significant role in shaping the organization's mission and objectives. The International Theatre Institute has also been influenced by the work of Bertolt Brecht, Erwin Piscator, and Konstantin Stanislavski, and has collaborated with institutions like the Berlin Ensemble, Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier, and Moscow Art Theatre. Throughout its history, the organization has worked to promote cultural exchange and understanding, hosting events like the Theatre of Nations festival, which has featured performances from companies like Royal Shakespeare Company, Comédie-Française, and Schaubühne.

● Organization

The International Theatre Institute is governed by a General Assembly composed of representatives from its member countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States. The organization is headed by a President, who is elected by the General Assembly and serves a term of four years, with past presidents including Peter Daubeny and Martine Franck. The International Theatre Institute has a Secretariat located in Paris, France, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, and works closely with other organizations like International Association of Theatre Critics, Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films, and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. The organization also has a network of National Centres around the world, including the American Center, Australian Centre, British Centre, Canadian Centre, Chinese Centre, French Centre, German Centre, Indian Centre, Italian Centre, Japanese Centre, Korean Centre, Mexican Centre, Russian Centre, South African Centre, and Spanish Centre.

● Activities

The International Theatre Institute engages in a range of activities aimed at promoting theatre and dance worldwide, including the organization of international festivals and conferences, such as the Theatre of Nations festival, which has featured performances from companies like Royal Shakespeare Company, Comédie-Française, and Schaubühne. The organization also provides training and capacity-building programs for theatre and dance professionals, such as workshops and seminars led by renowned artists like Ariane Mnouchkine, Peter Brook, and Tadeusz Kantor. Additionally, the International Theatre Institute publishes a range of publications, including the World Theatre magazine, which features articles and reviews on theatre and dance productions from around the world, including works by Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, and Harold Pinter. The organization also collaborates with other organizations, such as International Association of Theatre Critics, Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films, and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, to promote the development of theatre and dance globally.

● Membership

The International Theatre Institute has a membership of over 80 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States. Membership is open to national theatre and dance organizations, as well as individual theatre and dance professionals, such as actors, directors, choreographers, and playwrights, including Laurence Olivier, Marlon Brando, and Federico Fellini. The organization also has a network of National Centres around the world, which serve as a link between the International Theatre Institute and its members, and work closely with institutions like the National Theatre, Comédie-Française, and Bolshoi Theatre.

● World Theatre Day

The International Theatre Institute celebrates World Theatre Day on March 27 every year, which was established in 1961 by the organization's General Assembly. The day is marked by theatre performances, festivals, and other events around the world, featuring works by renowned playwrights like William Shakespeare, Molière, and Anton Chekhov. The International Theatre Institute also releases a World Theatre Day message, which is written by a prominent theatre professional, such as Ariane Mnouchkine, Peter Brook, or Tadeusz Kantor, and is translated into multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. The message is read at theatre performances and events around the world, and is also published on the International Theatre Institute's website, along with messages from past years, written by theatre professionals like Samuel Beckett, Eugene Ionesco, and Harold Pinter. Category:Theatre