World Theatre Day was observed this year centrally in Guangzhou, China on March 27 at the initiative of Chinese Centre of the International Theatre Institute (ITI) and ITI General Secretariat.

Honorary President of ITI worldwide, Ramendu Majumdar and Bangladesh ITI Vice-President, Professor Abdus Selim joined the celebrations on an invitation from the Chinese ITI, says a press release.  

Ramendu Majumdar, along with seven other dignitaries opened the celebrations by playing the traditional Chinese drum.

Internationally acclaimed Russian director, Anatoly Vasiliev read out his World Theatre Day message at the programme.

A day long forum was organised on March 27 on Asian traditional theatre. 

Delegates from 17 Asian countries gave presentations on traditional theatre of their respective countries. Ramendu Majumdar, in his presentation, gave some examples of traditional Bangladeshi theatre and stressed on the need to make theatre a means of earning a living for traditional theatre practitioners.

On March 28, a meeting of the representatives of Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ITI was held. Chinese ITI President, Dr. Ji Gouping; ITI Director General, Tobias Biancone, and Ramendu Majumdar addressed the meeting.