Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, March 27, marks World Theatre Day, a day which encourages the world to recognize the universal importance of theatre. It promotes the ideals of peace and co-operation, the importance of artistic creation to cultural development, and the exchange of knowledge and practice in the performing arts.
This year the International Theatre Institute has chosen Tankred Dorst of Germany to deliver a message to the world on this important day.
Theatre plays a special role in fostering humanity “as long as we feel the need to show each other what we are and what we are not and what we should be”.
Throughout Canada, theatre groups will be celebrating this occasion by sharing their works with the Canadian public, special awards ceremonies, world premieres of new Canadian works, public readings of cherished plays and book signings by emerging and established playwrights.
As the former chair of the Canadian Stage Company in Toronto, I can attest firsthand to the important role the theatre plays in my community.