“This has been such a very difficult time for live performance and many artists, technicians and craftsmen and women have struggled in a profession that is already fraught with insecurity.

Maybe that always present insecurity has made them more able to survive this pandemic with wit and courage.

Their imagination has already translated itself, in these new circumstances, into inventive, entertaining and moving ways to communicate, thanks of course in large part to the internet. Human beings have told each other stories for as long as they have been on the planet. The beautiful culture of theatre will live for as long as we stay here.

The creative urge of writers, designers, dancers, singers, actors, musicians, directors, will never be suffocated and in the very near future will flourish again with a new energy and a new understanding of the world we all share.

I can’t wait!”

— Helen Mirren

年世界戏剧日致辞

当前是剧场艺术极其困难的时期。诸多表演团队以及制作团队的从业者们，在业已充满不安和变数的行业里苦苦支撑。但或许正是这始终蛰伏的不安与变数更能激发他们的智慧与勇气，直面疫情，度过难关。他们的想象力在这样的新常态下，已转化为富有创作力、赏心悦目而又打动人心的交流方式。当然，这在很大程度上也要归功于互联网。

古往今来，人类无时无刻不在诉说着彼此的故事。只要人类存在，优美的戏剧艺术就不会消亡。作家、设计师、舞者、歌手、演员、演奏家和导演们创作的欲望永远无法被扼杀。在不久的将来，这股创作的渴望将如枯木逢春般地，再次迸发出新的活力，来重新诠释这与人类休戚与共的世界。我想，这一天指日可待。

— 海伦·米伦