First festivals were mainly dedicated to gods, as the ancient world cannot be imagined without these idols to be the society rulers those times. People believed in their might, so special festivals were held to win the gods` favor. Thus, the classical Greek theatre is considered to be dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine-making. At these holidays, the prototypes of the today's theatre festivals, people dressed like the god's friends - Vakhs, drank wine and sang songs.
The ancient festivals purposed to make the gods positively inclined to the tribes. People believed in their unlimited power and considered all the things on the earth to descend from the saint and be in accordance with their will. People could not live in peace and serenity if thought the gods to be angry or displeased with them, the festivals but brought harmony.
In the medieval centuries most theatre festivals related to the Christian religion. Lots of religious holidays were accompanied by merry, loud events. Nowadays tens of such fests annually occur on the planet, all of them different and distinguished by peculiar traits, but each of the theatre festivals glorifies the beauty and immortality of this art.
One of the best-known holidays of the kind is Show Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Launched in 1962, the event aimed at stimulating common interest to the plays of George Bernard Show and other outstanding writers working in the Show's lifetime. People always visit the festival very willingly. 'Plays about the beginning of the modern world' - so is the slogan of the occasion, which attracts tourists, guests and real admirers of Show's works.
One of the oldest theatre festivals in the world - Belgrade International Theatre Festival - was founded in 1967. It gained its reputation and popularity as the one not afraid of mixing experimental plays with classical works of brilliant writers. Both young artists and stars of the theatre stage take part in performances, this being a guarantee of much respect and interest to the event from the part of general public. There is also a famous drama festival in Edinburgh offering prominent classical plays. Its aim is to provide 'a platform for the flowering of the human spirit'.
But if you want to see something unusual visit Midtown International Theatre Festival. The zest of the festival is its readiness for experiments and search for new performing opportunities. The managers of the holiday invite famous artists very seldom assured that each actor is unmatched in his soul - he only needs a chance to show himself. The festival gives a self-performance opportunity to everybody, both actors and writers. The event always takes place in Manhattan housed by the two theatres of WorkShop Theatre Company.
You see, the choice for theatre festivals is wide. Most countries can offer you a range of the like events typical for them only. So, if you really enjoy theatre visit a theatre festival and have a good time while watching your favorite plays.