Monaco will welcome amateur theatre groups from around the world when the 18th World Amateur Festival takes to the stage on Wednesday 20th August.
The week-long event, running until 27th August, will see groups from five continents perform at the Théâtre des Variétés and Théâtre Princesse Grace. All performances are free and open to the public.
Organised by Studio de Monaco and supported by the Government, the festival was created in 1957 and takes place every four years. Rather than a competition, organisers describe it as a unique artistic encounter where each group presents their vision of theatre, bringing their culture and history to life on stage.
Programme highlights
Performances begin at 6pm each evening, featuring three shows with 30-minute intervals for set changes. Each participating company will perform on two consecutive nights.
The festival opens on 20th August with performances by groups from the Unites States, Cuba and Slovakia at the Théâtre des Variétés. Other participating countries include Italy, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, Central African Republic, France, Finland, Armenia, Indonesia, Latvia, New Zealand, Lithuania, Morocco and the Philippines.
A Festival Village will also be inaugurated at the Auditorium Rainier III on Wednesday 20th August at 11:30am.
Workshops and congress
The festival includes workshops led by international specialists for participating theatre groups, aimed at knowledge exchange and developing theatrical practices.
Symposiums will be held following the first evening of performances, giving actors, directors, critics and audiences the opportunity to discuss the shows in a structured setting.
The 41st Congress of the International Amateur Theatre Association will also take place during the festival, opening on 23rd August at the Auditorium Rainier III.
The festival concludes with a closing evening at the Monaco Yacht Club on 27th August at 10:30pm.
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Main photo credit: Mondial du Théâtre