The Light We Carry: Theatre as a Space of Responsibility, Truth, and Kindness

Message for the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People 2025
by Diana Kržanić Tepavac, honorary member of ASSITEJ Serbia and former Chair of the Executive Board

When I accepted the invitation to write this year’s message for the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, I knew it had to be a greeting, a gesture of support, and a message of encouragement.
Above all, it is a heartfelt salute to all colleagues and friends who, despite the challenges of our times and the constant turbulence of the world around us, continue to create art, defending its fundamental values.
In an age when humanity is being tested over and over again, art remains a stronghold of creativity, freedom, and empathy.

This is also a message of encouragement to young artists — to explore, question, and shape the world through artistic experiences created for their peers, for the younger ones, and for generations older than themselves.
Every boy and girl in the audience deserves respect. Their voices, their reactions, and their dreams must be part of the artistic dialogue.
Every sincere story, and every moment on stage, can become a lasting memory. And we all know how deeply meaningful it is to feel heard.

At the same time, this is an invitation to young professionals to recognize theatre for children and youth as a space of endless possibility.
It is here that the values shaping the society we wish to live in are formed and nurtured.
Every child has the right to art and culture, as they are essential to their emotional and intellectual growth.
Art gives us the space and freedom to imagine the world we want to create — the world we want future generations to grow up in and enjoy, together with us.

Our tools are the stories we tell — stories that shape humanity, solidarity, justice, and empathy.
They are our way of opening hearts, sparking curiosity, and teaching values that endure.
Support from adults is crucial, and our duty as artists and cultural workers is to offer children and young people not only a warm welcome and support, but also a space for hope, even when we tackle the most difficult topics.

For decades, we have been raising generations in an atmosphere of uncertainty, fear, distorted values, greed, helplessness, and offense — too often met with silence instead of a strong voice defending integrity.
As someone who has always believed in youth, invested in young people, met and worked with generations of bright and beautiful minds, I have found myself deeply moved and amazed by the strength and light of the young people here, in the country I live in, as they finally begin to shine in their full glory.

Today, more than ever, we are aware that youth brings light and change — we are living it and witnessing it in Serbia for months now.
Since November 1st, following the tragedy in Novi Sad when our fellow citizens lost their lives, young people have shown us incredible strength and the power of unity, love, and joy.
They have reminded us of the values of truth, justice, and solidarity.
Their determination and belief in a better tomorrow have awakened something in all of us.

And so, on this March 20th, 2025, the first day of spring, I open wide my windows and doors — and I invite you to do the same.
Let new energy flow into your spaces and your hearts. Share your knowledge, love, skill, and experience generously.
You may be surprised by how many will recognize your light — and by how much richer and more meaningful the world will seem.

We create stories in which kindness and integrity always prevail.
I believe in light and in the power of good.
I believe in youth, who carry change and awaken hope.

Let this World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People be yet another reminder to look around us and embrace what truly matters — trust, solidarity, and love.

The key lies in mutual trust, hope, and unity.

Diana Kržanić Tepavac
Belgrade, March 20, 2025