This year’s World Theatre Day theme, “Staging the Rights of Children,” underscores the importance of making cultural and artistic rights available to all children. The initiative highlights a pressing global concern: while children and young people under 18 make up nearly 29 percent of the world’s population, many remain culturally marginalized, with limited opportunities to engage with art and theatre.
Speaking on the occasion, ASSITEJ President Sue Giles pointed out that children often lack access to cultural experiences because of social, economic, and institutional barriers. “They have little power, limited resources, and are dependent on adults to make decisions for them,” Giles said.
She stressed that theatre and the arts are not merely entertainment but vital tools for nurturing young minds. “Arts and culture allow children to explore, imagine, and develop critical thinking. They foster empathy, creativity, and self-expression—qualities that shape responsible and imaginative citizens,” Giles noted.
Yet, providing this access requires adult support. Many caregivers and educators are unaware of how crucial arts engagement is to a child’s development. By taking children to theatre performances or supporting cultural programs, adults serve as gatekeepers who open doors to transformative experiences.
“Staging the rights of the child in the arts sends a powerful message beyond our immediate community,” Giles said. “It calls on parents, educators, policymakers, and government officials to prioritize children’s participation in theatre—from nurseries and schools to local libraries and festivals. Every child has the right to the performing arts, and this is a responsibility that rests with adults.”
For Giles and ASSITEJ, the goal is clear: children should not only witness stories on stage but actively participate in the cultural life around them, gaining access to beauty, imagination, and the many possibilities theatre can offer.