Educational institutions in Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, part of the Sierra-Amazonía regime in Zona 7, organized civic activities to celebrate International Theatre Day, according to a March 24 announcement. The events aimed to highlight the value of theatre as an artistic, cultural, and educational expression within the learning process.
The purpose of these activities was to encourage appreciation for theatre as a means that supports critical thinking, empathy, and creativity among children and young people. Organizers also sought to strengthen interest in performing arts as an essential element of Ecuadorian cultural identity and its role in building a more thoughtful and participatory society.
During the civic acts, students engaged in various activities including short theatrical performances, dramatizations, dramatic readings from both Ecuadorian and international plays, exercises involving body expression, improvisation games, theatrical workshops, and presentations about the history of theatre and its societal impact.
At Unidad Educativa Zoila Alvarado in Loja city, students staged “Huasipungo,” a well-known Ecuadorian play. This performance provided an opportunity for reflection on social realities depicted in national literature while showcasing theatre’s role as both a pedagogical tool and form of cultural expression.
Informational displays were also presented with facts about the origins of International Theatre Day, its significance worldwide, and notable figures from Ecuadorian and global theatre. These efforts demonstrated the educational community’s commitment to art and knowledge.
Paulina Jiménez, principal at Unidad Educativa Zoila Alvarado said: “El teatro permite que nuestros estudiantes desarrollen su sensibilidad y su capacidad de expresión.”
Johanna Sánchez district director added: “Recordar el Día Internacional del Teatro desde las instituciones educativas es abrir espacio al arte, la reflexión y la participación estudiantil.”
Through these initiatives Zona 7’s educational community reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive education that recognizes art and culture as vital components for learning coexistence and citizenship.
