World Amateur Theatre Festival has begun

Now in its 17th year, the World Amateur Theatre Festival was opened on Tuesday with much fanfare and a host of local personalities.

The festival begun with the inauguration of the village located this year at the Technical and Hotel Lycée of Monaco.

The village is the gathering spot, rehearsal area, catering centre and relaxation site for the festival, as well as being the hub for the festival’s workshops and conferences.

There are some 250 festival-goers and participants this year, with nearly as many volunteers working behind the scenes to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible.

There are 13 troupes performing from several countries around the globe, including Belgium, Cuba, Spain, United States, Finland, France, Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Central African Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia. Nearly 180 actors will perform 26 shows over the next several days, until Sunday 22nd August.

Each troupe will receive an award specially created for them by Monegasque sculptor Marcel Sbirazzoli.

The festival’s history dates back to 1957 when brothers Guy and Max Brousse, René Cellario and Jean Ratti approached the government with an idea to help the International Association of Amateur Theatre (IATA) by organising an international festival.

Tickets are free but reservations are required. For more information visit the festival’s website at www.mondialdutheatre.com

 

 
 

Photo of Michèle DITLOT, Vice-President of the Culture and Heritage Commission of the National Council, Axelle AMALBERTI-VERDINO, Deputy Mayor, Véronique CAMPANA, Deputy to the Director of Cultural Affairs, Etienne FRANZI, President of the CMB, Virginie RAIMBERT, Director of the Heritage Institute, as well as Rob VAN GENECHTEN, Vice-President of AITA / IATA absl, Nadia BARCOLI, Jean-Charles CURAU and José BADIA, Deputy Commissioners General of the World, Claude PLASSERAUD, Treasurer General, Pierre CELLARIO, Deputy Secretary General and Thomas DROCOURT, Administrative Secretary of the Mondial du Théâtre.  Communication Department / Michael Alesi