Monaco will raise the curtain on the 18th Mondial du Théâtre on Wednesday, August 20, launching a week-long celebration of amateur theatre from around the globe. The event, which runs until Wednesday, August 27, will bring together troupes from 18 countries across five continents, each sharing their distinctive cultural approach to the art form.

Founded in 1957 and held every four years by the Studio de Monaco, the festival is recognised as one of the most significant international gatherings for amateur theatre. It is supported by the Prince’s Government and focuses on cultural exchange rather than competition. Performances are free to attend, subject to available seating, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience a wide range of theatrical traditions in one location.

The programme will feature each troupe performing twice on consecutive evenings, with shows taking place at the Théâtre des Variétés and Théâtre Princesse Grace. Each evening begins at 18:00, presenting three productions separated by 30-minute intervals to allow for scene and set changes.

In addition to the performances, the event will host workshops led by international theatre specialists, giving participants the chance to exchange skills and deepen their craft. Daily colloquiums the morning after each debut night will invite actors, directors, critics and the public to discuss the previous evening’s work in a structured, open forum.

The festival’s official village, based at the Auditorium Rainier III, will be inaugurated on Wednesday, August 20 at 11:30, with organisers, performers and dignitaries in attendance. The same evening, the opening gala will feature productions from the United States, Cuba and Slovakia at the Théâtre des Variétés.

Highlights for the remainder of the week include:

  • Thursday, August 21 – Afternoon opening of the festival workshops at the Auditorium Rainier III, followed by evening performances from Italy, Colombia and the United Kingdom at the Théâtre Princesse Grace.
  • Friday, August 22 – Spain, Japan and the Central African Republic perform at the Théâtre des Variétés.
  • Saturday, August 23 – The 41st Congress of the International Amateur Theatre Association opens at the Auditorium Rainier III.
  • Sunday, August 24 – France, Finland and Armenia at the Théâtre Princesse Grace.
  • Monday, August 25 – Indonesia, Latvia and New Zealand at the Théâtre des Variétés.
  • Tuesday, August 26 – Lithuania, Morocco and the Philippines at the Théâtre Princesse Grace.
  • Wednesday, August 27 – Closing night celebrations at 22:30 at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Full details are available at www.mondialdutheatre.mc.