The 2nd Baku International Theatre Conference on the theme "World
Theatre Process in the 21st century: Problems, Prospects and
Alternatives”, organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry,
the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences and Azerbaijani Theatre Figures
Union has started as part of the State Program “Azerbaijan’s Theatre
in 2009-2019”, APA reports.
The conference has brought together more than 80 theatre critics,
experts on theatre history and theory, directors, actors, artists and
managers from 35 countries. A photographic exhibition dedicated to the 1st
Baku International Theatre Conference, the history of Slovak theatre and
the 200th jubilee of Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh was organized in the foyer
of the Azerbaijani State Academic National Drama Theatre. The official
opening ceremony of the conference started with the screening of a video
of the 1st Baku International Theater Conference.
Addressing the event, Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Adalat
Valiyev said it is important that famous theatre figures are meeting for the
second time to study modern theatre processes.
“We are proud of realizing such a valuable project in Baku. The 2nd
Baku International Theatre Conference demonstrates that the
Azerbaijani state attaches great importance to modern integration
in the world and exchange of experience,” he said.
Vice-President of the International Theatre Institute, UNESCO Artist
for Peace and Goodwill Ambassador Ali Mahdi highly appreciated the
conference taking place in Baku.
Conveying the greetings of UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova to the
participants, Mahdi said that this grandiose conference is the
focus of the attention of this organization. Specifically noting the
important cultural events hosted by Azerbaijan in recent years, the
guest said that he welcomed all the work done in this direction.
Deputy Minister of Culture of Lithuania Deividas Staponkus thanked the
organizers of the event and said that it will make new contributions
to the development of theatre in the world.
Characterizing theatre as an important field, Polish dramaturg,
producer and playwright Krzysztof Zanussi said that this profession
must convey not only beauty, but also perfection and wisdom: “The
issues of theatre must be similar for every society. Such conferences
allow us to discuss jointly the processes in this sphere.”
Tobias Biancone, director general of International Theatre Institute,
noted the importance of establishing theatres covering various groups
of society. Following the keynote speeches, a press conference was
held with the participation of guests and experts.
