The first World festival of children's theatre
The first children's theatre group in the theatre-pedagogic center by "Emsländische Landschaft e. V" (TPZ Lingen) was founded in 1981 by Mr. Norbert Rademacher. Already two years later the children presented results of their work in a small celebration called: "Children play and dance for children"
After he visited the World Theatre Festival for adults, TPZ's former director Mr. Norbert Rademacher of "Emsländische Landschaft e.V." (TPZ) had the idea of an approaching festival for children on a global level as well. By successful teamwork secretary-general of the World's Federation John Ytteborg and TPZ's former staff members Irene Luitz (from Netherland) and Dr. Bernd Ruping created a concept for the first culture- and theatre festival for children on a global scale.
The open mindedness of the Stadt Lingen offering collaboration of national and international associations and the children's and youth theatre center in the Federal Republic of Germany and the promise of financial support from governmental and private donors and sponsors allowed the beginning of this major project.
In cooperation with the "International Amateur Theatre Association" (IATA / AITA), which is the children- and youth theatre center by the Federal Republic of Germany and the "International Children Theatre Corporation" (ICTC), the 1st World Festival of Children's Theatre has been planned and performed in Lingen anno 1990.
A festival on the road
The world's largest and most unique children's theater festival for children has been since then in collaboration with the World Federation for amateur theater, the International Amateur Theater Association (IATA / AITA), conducted in various cities around the world:
- 1992 - Antalya / Turkey
- 1996 - Copenhagen / Denmark
- 2000 - Toyama / Japan
- 2004 - Havana / Cuba
- 2008 - Moscow / Russia
In between - all four years - the World Festival of Children's Theatre reverts at his birthplace of Lingen (Ems) in Germany: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, ...
