ITI World Theater Day 2026 Celebration

Since 1962, March 27th is the World Theatre Day, established by the ITI, the International Theatre Institute. To mark the occasion, a prominent figure from the world of theatre writes an official message in which they share their thoughts on the theme of theatre and the culture of peace. 

In addition to this message, the ITI sometimes organises a main celebration to highlight the day. In 2025, this took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year, the THEATER FEDERATION has the privilege of organising this global gathering of theatre professionals on the 26th March in Luxembourg. 

Around twenty representatives from various ‘ITI Centres’ in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania are invited to the Abbey of Neumünster for a day of reflecting around the performing arts, including:

- at 9.00 am: the official reading of the annual message written by Willem Dafoe (https://www.world-theatre-day.org/.../WTD%202026_Message...), 

- at 9.20 am: a keynote speech by the ‘ITI World Ambassador in Residence’, Mr Lemi Ponifasio: ‘We Are Never Meant To Walk Alone’

- at 10.30 am: a first thematic round table: ‘Beyond Entertainment: Theatre as a Responsibility’

- at 12.30 pm: a second thematic round table: ‘Seeing Forward: Theatre and the Courage to Imagine’

The entire day is free and open to the public, as well as performing arts professionals and the press. 

Booking recommended: [email protected]

Subject to availability.