Theatre has long been a mirror to society, reflecting its struggles, dreams, and contradictions. This year, renowned Greek theatre director Theodoros Terzopoulos delivers a powerful World Theatre Day Message, urging theatre to reclaim its vital role in addressing the crises of humanity—from ecological destruction to the loss of human connection in a technology-driven world.
An SOS Call to Theatre
Terzopoulos opens his message with a striking question: “Does theatre hear the SOS call of our time?” He paints a stark picture of a world in distress—global warming, deforestation, biodiversity loss, pollution of oceans, and an increasing manipulation of human beings through totalitarian systems, political control, and digital dominance.
Despite rapid technological advancements, he argues that people are becoming more isolated, controlled, and emotionally detached. He challenges the theatre community to move beyond entertainment and become an active part of the ecosystem, rather than standing idly by as the planet and humanity suffer.
Theatre as a Space for Healing and Coexistence
One of the most profound aspects of Terzopoulos’s message is his concern over the fear of “the Other”—a growing global phenomenon where societies are divided and individuals avoid real emotional encounters. He believes theatre should break down these barriers, creating a space where people can heal from modern traumas and rediscover their sense of identity and connection.
He recalls the words of playwright Heiner Müller, who described myth as a machine that can explode and reshape society. In this light, Terzopoulos urges theatre to move beyond self-indulgence and instead engage with contemporary social wounds, illuminating hidden truths and questioning our existential reality.
The Spirit of Dionysus: Theatre as Transformation
Invoking Dionysus, the ancient god of theatre, Terzopoulos emphasizes the need for theatre to embrace contradictions—order and chaos, logic and madness, life and death. He sees Dionysus as a timeless figure who unites the past, present, and future, pushing theatre beyond mere storytelling into a force that guides humanity through its darkest moments.
For Terzopoulos, theatre must be more than just an art form—it should act as a memory preserver, a moral guide, and a political force. He calls upon theatre artists, writers, and audiences to awaken, take responsibility, and use theatre as a means of resistance, renewal, and rebirth.
A Call to Action for Theatre Artists Worldwide
As World Theatre Day 2025 is celebrated across the globe, Terzopoulos’s message resonates as a call to action. He challenges theatre practitioners to go beyond applause and recognition, urging them to create works that question, provoke, and ultimately transform the world.
In an era where society is on the brink of environmental, social, and psychological collapse, Terzopoulos reminds us that theatre holds the power to shape consciousness, ignite change, and bring hope—if only it chooses to listen to the SOS call of our time.
