In celebration of the International Day of Peace, Words of Peace is a one-night summit of non-violence, hosted by Mark Rylance in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. A gathering of actors, artists, and musicians, for an evening of song, poetry and prose.

In support of UN humanitarian aid for refugees, the company hope to draw the audience into a brief community of spirit. A ceremony of aspiration, praise, determination and joy, thus we remember that any day of peace in this all too troubled world is a rare one.

We invite you to join us for Words of Peace; said out loud, yearly on the vigil, until these words have consequence.

The evening will feature performances from Mark Rylance, Simon Russell Beale, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Joely Richardson, Naomi Ackie, Juliet Rylance and more, with music performed by Roger Chase (viola), Úna Palliser (voice, violin and percussion), Beth Higham-Edwards (marimba, percussion), Sarah Homer (bass clarinet, tin whistle, percussion), Elaine So (marimba, Chinese flute, percussion) and Pedro Davidson (drumming, percussion). The performers will also be joined by members from Intermission Youth, the London youth theatre company which has been transforming young lives through theatre and performance since 2008.

The evening’s program was created by David Conrad, directed by Tamara Harvey, with original music by Claire van Kampen, and produced by Barbara Römer and Juliet Rylance.

All profits will be donated by Words of Peace to UNESCO and UNHCR, towards causes benefiting peace-building and refugees of war.

This event will be filmed.

Words of Peace takes place this year on 24 September, the first Sunday after the UN established International Day of Peace, ‘a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.’

For more information about Peace Day, click here.