4IntermediateGeneralCulture

Free Theatre Shows Celebrate World Theatre Day in Turkey

March 27 is World Theatre Day, and stages across Turkey are opening for free. Bakırköy Municipal Theatres is performing a special play to celebrate this global event that has brought people together since 1962.

1 min readLevel 4March 27, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

celebrate

/ˈselɪbreɪt/

verb

To do something special to show that a day or event is important

“People around the world celebrate World Theatre Day every March.”

performance

/pəˈfɔːrməns/

noun

A show or act done in front of an audience, like a play or concert

“The performance last night was so good that everyone clapped.”

accessible

/əkˈsesəbl/

adjective

Easy to reach, enter, or use for everyone

“The museum is accessible to people who use wheelchairs.”

outreach

/ˈaʊtriːtʃ/

noun

An effort to bring services or help to people who need it

“The school's outreach program brings books to small villages.”

tradition

/trəˈdɪʃən/

noun

A custom or way of doing something that has continued for a long time

“Eating together on holidays is a family tradition for us.”

encourage

/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/

verb

To give someone support or confidence to do something

“Good teachers encourage their students to ask questions.”

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Article

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Every year on March 27, the world celebrates theatre. World Theatre Day has been an important tradition since 1962. The International Theatre Institute created this special day. It encourages people to enjoy live performances everywhere. This year, many theaters are offering free shows.

In Turkey, stages are opening their doors for free. Bakırköy Municipal Theatres is celebrating with a special play. The play is called "The Donkey's Shadow." This performance is free for everyone who wants to attend. The goal is to make theatre accessible to all people.

Bakırköy Municipal Theatres has even bigger plans for April. The theater group will tour and perform in different cities. They want to bring live performances to more communities. This kind of outreach helps people discover the joy of theatre. It also supports local culture across the country.

World Theatre Day is now celebrated in over 90 countries. Each year, a famous theatre figure writes a special message. The message talks about theatre and peace in the world. Theatre brings people together and helps us understand each other. If you have a chance, you should see a live show today.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
When is World Theatre Day celebrated every year?
2
What is the name of the play performed by Bakırköy Municipal Theatres?
3
What will Bakırköy Municipal Theatres do in April?
4
Who created World Theatre Day?
5
What is the main goal of offering free theatre shows on this day?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
What is World Theatre Day, and when is it celebrated?
2
What did Bakırköy Municipal Theatres do to celebrate this day?
3
What are Bakırköy Municipal Theatres planning to do in April?
4
How many countries celebrate World Theatre Day around the world?
5
Why do theaters offer free shows on World Theatre Day?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
Have you ever watched a live theatre performance? What was it like?
2
Do you think theatre is important for culture? Why or why not?
3
What do you think about free events for art and culture?
4
If you could watch any play in the world, which one would you choose?
5
How is watching a live show different from watching a movie at home?