The Syrian Future Movement, on World Theatre Day—celebrated annually on March 27 since its inception in 1962 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI)—affirms that theatre is not merely an art form that preserves memory but a bridge to the future and a means of rebuilding individuals and society after years of devastating war.
The Syrian Future Movement considers this day essential for reminding us of theatre’s role as a global art that unites people, fosters dialogue, and highlights issues of justice and freedom. From the Greeks, where theatre served as a platform for public discourse, to the present day, it has withstood challenges—from censorship to technological advancements—proving that the direct connection between actors and audiences remains irreplaceable.
The Syrian Future Movement, after more than a decade of war, believes that Syria needs theatre now more than ever to revive collective memory, document suffering, and rebuild identity through innovative storytelling techniques. Theatre can also promote reconciliation through performances that address the wounds of war and open dialogue between opposing factions, drawing inspiration from street theatre experiences in Iraqi Kurdistan. Additionally, it serves as a means to resist isolation by bringing audiences back to live spaces, away from the virtual reality that has turned people into “robots.”
The Syrian Future Movement calls on international organizations to support Syrian theatre projects as part of reconstruction plans and to organize international festivals in Syrian cities.
The Syrian Future Movement encourages Syrian artists to unite efforts in creating theatre that expresses a new Syrian identity while drawing upon a rich heritage, much like Gulf theatre has done.
The Syrian Future Movement urges civil society to adopt initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s “Shaghaf” initiative, which has been recognized for enriching the theatrical scene.
As the Syrian Future Movement celebrates World Theatre Day, it reminds the world that Syria has always been a cradle of vibrant Arab theatre. Its banner was first raised in 1871 by the pioneer of Syrian and Arab theatre, Ahmad Abu Khalil Al-Qabbani, ensuring that theatre is not a luxury but a necessity for rediscovering our lost humanity. As novelist Wole Soyinka once said, “Art is a weapon against forgetting.”
