The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) in partnership with Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (AFTC) celebrate today’s World Theatre Day with award-winning theatre artist Jani Lauzon’s message to Canadians.
“We got a taste of life without these moments over the last few years. We stayed home, we isolated as we were told to do. And now we are faced with a choice; be complacent or rally together to ensure that our ability to be together, learning about each other, remains an important part of our lives,” says Lauzon, award-winning theatre artist and 2024 Canadian Ambassador for World Theatre Day.
Theatre is about connection – the spark between audience and performers as the curtain rises, the shared experience as a community, and the conversations that linger after the final bow.
PACT Executive Director Brad Lepp reminds us, “Our theatres need our help and it is time for all of our partners to get involved.”
“Art, good art, manages in its wonderful way to combine the utterly unique with the universal. It lets us understand what is different… By doing so, art breaks through the boundaries between languages, geographical regions, countries,” says Jon Fosse, playwright and International Ambassador for World Theatre Day.
This World Theatre Day, PACT is encouraging all Canadians to get involved and support their local theatre companies through three simple actions:
- Book a ticket to go see a show and post about it using #GoSeeAShow . Not sure where to start? You can find a map of national theatres and event listings by visiting: PACT.ca/WorldTheatreDay.
- Contact their elected officials at all levels to increase public support, by visiting: Show your Support for Canadian Theatres!
- Watch, listen, or read Jani Lauzon’s inspirational message and share it with others on social media using the hashtags #RallyForTheatre and #WorldTheatreDay.
Lauzon is a multidisciplinary artist of Métis/French/Finnish ancestry. She is a 9-time Dora Mavor Moore nominated actress, a three-time Juno nominated singer/songwriter, a Gemini Award winning puppeteer, an award-winning director, and an artist educator.
PACT is a member driven organization that promotes and supports the practice of theatre in Canada.
