The 18th edition of the prestigious Mondial du Théâtre will return to Monaco from 20th to 27th August 2025, bringing together amateur theatre troupes from across five continents. This non-competitive festival, under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, will feature performances, workshops and colloquia, with a strong showing from English-speaking countries including the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Founded in 1957 by the Studio de Monaco, the Mondial du Théâtre has evolved into a cornerstone of international amateur theatre. The 2025 edition will see 18 theatre troupes perform on the stages of Théâtre Princesse Grace and Théâtre des Variétés, each company presenting its unique cultural narrative in its native language. Among this year’s English-speaking representatives are the Stage Left Theater from Washington D.C., the Scrambled Egg Theatre Company from London, and the Dargaville Little Theatre from New Zealand.
Spotlight on English-speaking performances
Audiences can look forward to a broad range of English-language productions. The United States troupe will perform Pass Over by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu, a poignant contemporary drama. The UK’s Scrambled Egg Theatre Company brings A Man of No Importance, while New Zealand’s Dargaville Little Theatre offers an original piece titled Out of Mind, co-written by Deborah Steele and Julianne Parkinson. These groups will each perform on two consecutive evenings, giving audiences ample opportunity to experience their interpretations.
Workshops explore body, gesture and myth
Workshops led by UK practitioners Jennie Dunne and Jonathan D’Young will delve into physical expression, Greek mythology and movement analysis. Participants will explore scenes from the Iliad, create animal-inspired characters, and examine the use of the chorus in both classical and modern contexts. These interactive sessions are open to the public and run daily from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, offering hands-on learning in a multilingual setting.
Free performances and open discussions
All performances are free and begin each evening at 6pm. The programme features three shows per night, interspersed with 30-minute breaks for technical transitions. Following each debut evening, colloquia from 9:45am to 12:30pm will welcome the public into lively discussions with the performers and directors, moderated by international theatre experts. These sessions offer insight into theatrical traditions and creative processes across cultures.
A festival village rooted in camaraderie
At the heart of the Mondial is the festival ‘Village’ at Auditorium Rainier III, a central hub of activity and exchange. More than 200 volunteers support the event, ensuring a seamless experience for artists and audiences alike. A special ‘Red and White Evening’ on 23rd August will celebrate the spirit of unity and international friendship that defines this festival.
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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department