World Theatre Day is celebrated in Porto with free events for everyone

World Theatre Day (WTD) is celebrated on 27 March. It was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. This occasion is marked by The National Theatre of São João (TNSJ) with loads of free activities. Everyone in the city is invited to take part.

This day is devoted to raising awareness on the theme of Theatre and to a Culture of Peace. The French poet, writer, designer, playwright, artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau wrote the first World Theatre Day International Message in 1962.

Also, the Theatre Carlos Alberto and the Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória join the TNSJ in the celebration of this date.

Besides the premiere of "O Resto Já Devem Conhecer do Cinema" ["the Rest you should know from the movies", free translation], an in-house production, staged by Nuno Carinhas and Fernando Mora Ramos, scheduled to begin at 9pm. In the afternoon, the TNSJ will offer free guided tours to the building itself and to the Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória, at 10.30am.

"The goal being that all visitors, Portuguese or foreign have the opportunity to enjoy the work carried out by the theatre", stated the organisation.

Visitors will get to know the backstage, the legends and myths that surround the theatre atmosphere, at 12.30pm.

The tours will also provide interpretation services in the following languages: English, French and Spanish, as well as a video guide service in Portuguese sign language.