The 2nd Baku International Theater Conference on the theme "World Theatre Process in the 21st century: Problems, Prospects and Alternatives” organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and Azerbaijan Theater Figures Union has started as a part of the State Program “Azerbaijan’s Theater in 2009-2019”.
The conference has brought together more than 80 theater critics, experts on theater history and theory, directors, actors, artists and managers from 35 countries. The photo exhibition dedicated to the 1st Baku International Theater Conference, history of Slovakia’s theater, 200th jubilee of Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh was organized in the foyer of Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater. The official opening ceremony of the conference started with the screening of video of the 1st Baku International Theater Conference.
Addressing the event Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Adalat Valiyev said it is important that famous theater figures meet for the second time to study the modern theater processes.
“We are proud of realizing such a valuable project in Baku. The 2nd Baku International Theater Conference demonstrates that the Azerbaijani state attaches great importance to the modern integration in the world, 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 in the focus of the attention of this organization. Specially noting the important cultural events hosted by Azerbaijan in the 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 theater as an important field, Polish dramaturge, producer and scriptwriter Krzysztof Zanussi said that this profession must convey not only beauty, but also perfection and wisdom: “The issues on theater must be similar for every society. Such conferences allow us to discuss jointly the processes in this sphere.”
President of International Association of Theatre for Children & Young People (ASSITEJ) Yvette Hardie said it was her 3rd visit to Baku and underlined that the theatres must be established by taking into account the interests and desires of children and young people: “I hope that special attention will be given to this issue during the discussions.”
Tobias Biancone, director general of International Theatre Institute noted the importance of establishing theaters covering various groups of society. Following the keynote speeches, a press conference was held with the participation of guests and experts.
APA