The curtain came down last night on the World Theatre Festival at the Princess Grace Theatre, marking the end of eight days of performances that brought Monaco into dialogue with cultures from every corner of the globe…
The closing ceremony was attended by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, underlining the Principality’s commitment to cultural exchange and artistic vitality.
Since its creation in 1957, the festival has sought to celebrate diversity through theatre, and this year’s edition was no exception. Amateur and professional troupes from five continents offered their interpretations of universal themes, reimagined through their own cultural lenses.
Morocco staged Sophocles’ Antigone, while Japan presented Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba. Indonesia surprised audiences with a production inspired by Charles Bukowski. These varied works highlighted how shared stories resonate across cultures, even when reinterpreted in radically different styles.
The festival was not only a showcase of theatrical creativity but also a forum for intercultural understanding. “The aim is to allow theatre lovers to share their visions of art shaped by their own traditions,” organisers explained. Audience members embraced the surprise element, discovering plays without knowing the programme in advance, making each performance a unique revelation.
The festival’s success was evident in packed audiences, enthusiastic reactions, and a sense of pride among organisers and volunteers. For many, the only regret was its brevity. The next edition, four years away, is already eagerly awaited, reaffirming Monaco as a stage open to the world.
Images: Monaco Info
