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Day: 23 December 2024

Magical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Théâtre des Muses this December

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/12/2024

The Théâtre des Muses on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique is set to host a dazzling adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic comedic play A Midsummer Night’s Dream over five fun-filled performances during the holidays.

Escape the bleak winter nights with a ray of sunshine as the Théâtre des Muses presents Shakespeare’s beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream between 28th December and New Year’s Eve.

This enchanting production reimagines the adored tale, blending magic, romance, and comedy into an unforgettable theatrical experience. Set in Athens and the forest beyond the city’s walls, the story follows a web of romantic entanglements.

Demetrius loves Hermia, but Hermia’s heart belongs to Lysander. Helena, however, is hopelessly in love with Demetrius. The chaos deepens when Oberon and Titania, the mischievous rulers of the forest, enlist the whimsical fairy Puck to meddle in the lovers’ affairs. As love is tested and chaos ensues, the question remains: will true love ultimately prevail?

Directed by Anthéa and Théodora Sogno, this adaptation captures the dreamlike essence of Shakespeare’s masterpiece. The staging, enhanced by stunning costumes and a dynamic young cast, transports audiences to a magical world where fairy mischief and human folly collide.

Vivantmag, a company involved in the distribution and production of live shows, cultural mediation, event organisation, and theatrical reviews across France, has praised the production: “This performance is enchanting. Their passion, talent, and creativity have brought this masterpiece back to life with freshness and originality. A memorable evening!”

The cast includes Maxime Cabre, Manon Choisit, Eden Duprat, Guillaume Legay, Pierre Nicolas Marton, Mathieu Peyrille, Malik Rachik and Théodora Sogno.

Performances are scheduled for 28th December at 8pm, 29th December at 4.30pm, and 30th December at 8pm, with two New Year’s Eve shows on 31st December at 8pm and 10.15pm. Tickets for this must-see event are priced at €48, excluding subscription fees.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo via Théâtre des Muses

Basketball: Monaco’s Roca Team bounce back with win over Limoges

by: Elsa Carpenter
23/12/2024

It was a return to winning form for AS Monaco Basketball over the weekend as they claimed a well-deserved 96-84 victory over CSP Limoges at the French side’s packed home court, Palais des Sports de Beaublanc. The triumph came just two days after a bruising defeat to Real Madrid in the EuroLeague.

Led by a brilliant performance from Jordan Loyd, who notched 22 points with five three-pointers, the Roca Team took control of the game early. Monaco then weathered a spirited Limoges comeback in the second and third quarters before closing out the match with authority.

“We knew we had to respond tonight,” Loyd said after the game. “The loss in Madrid was tough to swallow, but we came into this one focused and ready. Everyone stepped up when it mattered.”

“Our mindset was clear,” added Vitto Brown, who contributed 15 points. “We wanted to come out aggressive and take control early. Even when they fought back, we stayed locked in.”

Monaco’s three-point shooting proved lethal in the first half, with the team hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc at 60% accuracy. By halftime, the Roca Team had built a 56-44 lead, thanks to Loyd’s scoring, Brown’s versatility, and Petr Cornelie’s dominance on the boards.

“We knew Limoges wouldn’t go down without a fight,” head coach Vassilis Spanoulis reflected. “But I was proud of how the team handled the pressure and stayed composed in key moments.”

Limoges came back strong after the break, capitalising on Monaco’s turnovers and foul trouble to cut the deficit to just four points (56-52) during an energised 24-8 stretch.

But the Monaco players regrouped, with contributions from Mam Jaiteh, Jaron Blossomgame, and Cornelie helping to shift momentum.

Monaco regained their shooting touch, with Cornelie and Loyd hitting clutch three-pointers to re-establish a 10-point cushion (71-61) heading into the final quarter.

“We had a rough patch, but we never panicked,” said Jaiteh, who finished with 14 points. “Coach reminded us to stick to the game plan, and once we tightened up defensively, the rest fell into place.”

A strong finish

The fourth quarter saw Monaco rediscover their rhythm. Matthew Strazel and Jaiteh led a balanced offensive effort, while Juhann Begarin’s three-pointer and a thunderous alley-oop from Georgios Papagiannis deflated Limoges’ hopes of a comeback.

“It was all about finishing strong,” said Strazel. “We’ve been in tough spots before, and this time we stayed calm and executed.”

In light of the recent defeat to Real Madrid, Spanoulis described the Limoges result as “an important win for us.”

“Not just in terms of standings but also mentally,” he noted. “It shows the character of this group.”

Coming up

The win solidifies AS Monaco Basketball’s position in the Betclic Elite Top 4 as they push for qualification to the Leaders Cup.

AS Monaco will return to EuroLeague action on Boxing Day when they host Anadolu Efes in what will be the team’s final game of 2024. The squad is optimistic about continuing their momentum, with Nick Calathes expected to return to the lineup.

“We’re building something special here,” Loyd said confidently. “This win is just another step in the right direction.”

Read related:

Basketball: Roca Team struggle against a stronger Real Madrid

 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball

Marineland Antibes to close permanently in January amid animal mistreatment controversy

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/12/2024

Marineland in Antibes, Europe’s largest aquatic zoo, will close permanently in the new year after 54 years of operation. While the park has entertained millions with its orca and dolphin shows over the years, shifting public attitudes towards animal welfare and declining attendance have led to its closure.

Marineland in Antibes, the biggest marine zoo in Europe and a longstanding institution in the south of France, will close its doors permanently on 5th January 2025.

For decades, millions of visitors flocked to Marineland to marvel at the performances of the park’s orcas and dolphins, which were once central to its appeal. In recent years, however, controversy has grown around the practice of using these animals for entertainment, and a 2021 law banning cetacean shows marked the beginning of the end for the park.

Over the past decade, attendance has plummeted from 1.2 million visitors annually to 425,000. Combined, these pressures have culminated in the ultimate closure of Marineland and reflect a shift in public sentiment regarding the ethical treatment of animals in captivity.

While animal rights activists see the closure as a victory, for many local residents and visitors to the region, the permanent shuttering of Marineland is a sad occasion, marking the end of an era for family outings.

The task of rehoming 4,000 animals

Marineland’s legacy extends beyond its live shows. It has served as the backdrop for iconic films like The Big Blue, where Jean-Marc Barr’s character interacted with its dolphins, and Rust and Bone, starring Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts.

When the news came that the park would be closed, it was home to some 4,000 different animals. Now, management faces the challenge of rehoming these diverse species.

Finding a sanctuary for its two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, has proven particularly difficult. An initial plan to transfer them to Japan was scrapped after opposition from animal rights activists, as was a proposal to send them to the Canary Islands.

A potential solution lies in Canada. The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) in Nova Scotia offers a promising refuge: a 44-hectare inlet enclosed by nets that extend to the sea floor.

“[It’s] nothing to do with the pools at Marineland or Tenerife,” says Muriel Arnal, the president of One Voice, a French organisation that campaigns for animal rights. “There will be day-and-night monitoring by veterinarians with lifelong feeding and care. There would be an adaptation period in a floating enclosure three times the size of Marineland, where the orcas would already be able to swim in a straight line, dive deep, feel the currents and tides, and see the fish.”

As Marineland prepares for its final curtain call, the park’s closure highlights a broader societal shift towards prioritising animal welfare over entertainment. For locals and visitors alike, the memories of yesterday will remain, but a new approach to wildlife conservation is the way of tomorrow.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: C’est Assez

Monaco named World Capital of Sport for 2025

by: Elsa Carpenter
23/12/2024

Monaco has been officially named the World Capital of Sport for 2025 by the Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES) in recognition of the Principality’s dedication to supporting athletes and the practice of sport at all levels.

The announcement was made by ACES, a non-profit organisation that annually recognises cities and regions promoting sports and active living, during its Award Gala at the European Parliament in Brussels on Thursday 12th December.

The title is being passed to Monaco from Sofia, Bulgaria, which held the distinction of World Capital of Sport in 2024.

Monaco’s recognition stems from its proactive sports policy, led by Prince Albert II, who has long advocated for the role of sports in fostering peace, development, and well-being. Furthermore, the Monaco Government has been a strong supporter of sport at all levels, from promoting physical education in local schools to backing elite athletes and hosting major international sporting events, such as the final stage of the 2024 Tour de France.

The handover ceremony in Brussels was attended by Frédéric Labarrère, Ambassador of Monaco to Belgium, who accepted the symbolic ACES flag on behalf of the Principality.

During the event, ACES President and Founder Gian Francesco Lupattelli praised Monaco for its significant contributions to the global sports community, noting that the Principality’s efforts in promoting sports would inspire other cities and nations.

In a statement published by ACES, the organisation highlighted the key role played by Prince Albert II in Monaco’s nomination, noting, “His commitment to sports and well-being has played a pivotal role in Monaco’s recognition as a frontrunner in the global sports community. As the World Capital of Sport for 2025, Monaco is poised to host a series of events, competitions, and initiatives that will further promote the importance of sports in leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle.”

Read related:

Monaco in the running for ACES World Capital of Sport award 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

L-R: Robert De Vita, President of ACES France; Gian Lupattelli, President and Founder of ACES; and Frédéric Labarrère, Ambassador of Monaco to Belgium. Photo via Monaco Communications Department

Young people of Monaco invited to join Council of Europe’s ‘Rejuvenating Politics’ programme

by: Stephanie Horsman
23/12/2024

The Mairie de Monaco is offering an exciting opportunity for young individuals aged 18 to 30 to take part in the Council of Europe’s Rejuvenating Politics programme. The initiative invites local youth to represent the Principality as delegates at the upcoming Congress of Local and Regional Authorities sessions in Strasbourg, scheduled for March and October 2025.

The programme aims to amplify the voices of Monegasque youth and residents of the Principality, encouraging their participation in shaping local governance and international discussions while providing ambitious changemakers with valuable experience in the political realm and equipping them with tools to influence change both locally and globally. 

It will see promising delegates collaborate with Monaco’s Municipal Council representatives on various policies and topics, and engage in debates that have the potential to help bridge generational divides and address critical societal issues. 

Participants will also develop local projects under the Congress’s guidance, fostering dialogue between youth and elected officials while demonstrating innovation and commitment to their communities. 

Applicants interested in joining the Rejuvenating Politics programme must: be aged 18 to 30; hold a passport from one of the 46 Council of Europe member states; reside in one of these states; demonstrate openness, motivation and a willingness to strengthen dialogue with officials; and be fluent in English. 

Applications, which must include a 30-second video explaining the applicant’s aspirations, must be submitted online by 31st December at 11.59pm. Further details are available on the Mairie’s website. Click here for more information.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Council of Europe, Facebook