18th Mondial du Théâtre - The curtain rises on Wednesday 20 August, marking the start of a week-long festival

The Mondial du Théâtre - the World Festival of Amateur Theatre - officially opens in Monaco on Wednesday 20 August.

Founded in 1957 and organised by Le Studio de Monaco every four years, the major international event will see amateur theatre companies from across five continents gather in the Principality until 27 August.

Supported by the Prince’s Government, the festival promotes intercultural dialogue through amateur theatre. It is not a competition, but a unique artistic event where each company presents its own vision of theatre, reflecting its culture, history, and perspective.

This year, 18 countries are participating, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the diversity of theatrical traditions from around the world. Each company will perform twice, on consecutive evenings, at the Théâtre des Variétés and Théâtre Princesse Grace. Performances start at 6.00 pm, with three shows per night, with 30-minute intervals for set and prop changes. All performances are free to attend, subject to availability.

In addition to the performances, there will be workshops led by international experts where the actors will be encouraged to share their expertise and enrich their dramatic skills. Symposiums will also be held the morning after each opening performance, giving the cast, directors, critics, and audiences the chance to discuss and reflect on the previous night’s shows.

The Mondial du Théâtre showcases Monaco’s dedication to cultural exchange and its support for amateur theatre worldwide.

Highlights of the 18^th Mondial du Théâtre:

20/08

11.30 am: Inauguration of the Festival Village

6.00 pm: Opening evening at the Théâtre des Variétés with performances by the UNITED STATES/CUBA/SLOVAKIA

21/08

2.00 pm, Rainier III Auditorium: Official opening of the workshops, in the presence of the Honorary President of the Festival, members of the National Commission for UNESCO, and Monegasque dignitaries

6.00 pm, Théâtre Princesse Grace: Performances by ITALY/COLOMBIA/UNITED KINGDOM

22/08

6.00 pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Performances by SPAIN/JAPAN/CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

23/08

9.00 am, Rainier III Auditorium: Opening of the 41^st Congress of the International Amateur Theatre Association

24/08

6.00 pm, Théâtre Princesse Grace: Performances by FRANCE/ FINLAND/ARMENIA

25/08

6.00 pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Performances by INDONESIA/LATVIA/NEW ZEALAND

26/08

6.00 pm, Théâtre Princesse Grace: Performances by LITHUANIA/MOROCCO/PHILIPPINES

27/08