RP hosts World Theater Congress

The Philippines acts as cultural capital of the world this month as it hosts the 31st United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-International Theater Institute (UNESCO-ITI) Intercultural World Congress and Theater Olympics of the Nations from May 16 to 29.

Top international and local theater dignitaries will converge in the country to show their commitment to using their creativity and talents to fight global illiteracy, malnutrition, poverty and injustice. It is the first time in the congress’ 58-year history that it will be held in Southeast Asia.

The event is a country project unanimously affirmed by a UNESCO General Conference Resolution and fully supported by President Arroyo. Endorsed by ASEAN and the Group of 77 countries, it bears the theme, "Ancestral Roots to New Artistic Routes of Expression: Mobilizing Cultural Diversity to Achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals."

Ongoing activities include the World Festival of Drama Schools and Workshop from May 17 to 31. The event brings together around 150 participants from drama schools in 12 different countries for complementary workshops. They have partnered with 12 regional bases throughout the Philippines with links to indigenous communities. They will also interact with other groups in the National Capital Region.

UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura will preside over the Leaders’ Forum and Inaugural Ceremony slated on May 22. This will be a special gathering of UN officials, Ministers of Culture, and UNESCO Artists for Peace to discuss the UN MDGs, which include partnership for development and cultural diversity.

World-renowned Bangladeshi supermodel and UNESCO Artist for Peace Bibi Russel is also expected to attend. She is an advocate of the employment of cultural assets to combat poverty. Russel has appeared in the pages of numerous European fashion magazines. She also comes up with her own annual collection of indigenous fashion designs.

Additionally, ITI Congress Plenary Sessions will be conducted from May 24 to 25, wherein head delegates come together to discuss agenda items, such as election of officer-bearers, status of projects, budgetary needs, and committee program. They will also discuss a comprehensive theater arts and media plan to communicate the UN MDGs.

Finally, the Theater Olympics of the Nations is slated for May 22-28. It will delight delegates and local theater lovers alike to a feast of performances by top theater groups and ensembles.

Performances will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Manila Hotel, the Wow Philippines site in Intramuros, and Emilio Aguinaldo College.