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50th Anniversary For World Theatre Day

Updated: Friday, March 23 2012, 04:28 AM CDT
By Rob Faubion, Austin On Stage - www.austinonstage.com

The Exchange Artists and Cambiare Productions will host activities at The VORTEX Theatre’s Butterfly Bar to celebrate the day to unify and empower theatre arts around the globe.

Austin theatre companies, The Exchange Artists and Cambiare Productions, will host the Central Texas activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Theatre Day on Tuesday, March 27.  The free party will begin at 7 p.m. at The VORTEX Theatre's Butterfly Bar.
   
World Theatre Day was founded in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute to unify and empower theatre arts around the globe.  Each year, a renowned theatre artist is asked to write a message to the global theatre community. 
    
This year, the World Theatre Day Message was written by award-winning actor, director and producer John Malkovich and will be read aloud at 8 p.m. by Austin actress and director Kathryn Rogers.  Addressed to "to my fellow theatre workers, peers and comrades," Malkovich's words encourages theatre artists to create works that are "compelling and original… profound, touching, contemplative, and unique" and "reflect on the question of what it means to be human."
    
In honor of World Theatre Day’s 50th Anniversary, The Theatre Communications Group launched an online video series called I AM THEARE, requesting that theatre artists participate by submitting three-minute videos sharing pivotal moments in their theatre-making experience. A capturing station will be set up at the VORTEX Theatre during the party for anyone wanting to create a submission.
    
The VORTEX Theatre’s Butterfly Bar is located at 2307 Manor Road.  For more information on World Theatre Day, visit www.tcg.org.

(Image Courtesy TCG)50th Anniversary For World Theatre Day