Almost fifty years have gone by. The festival has come a long way since the founders Guy Brousse and René Cellario infused their passion for the theatre to all the members of the Studio de Monaco. Fifty years later, this same passion lies in the hearts of those who dedicate their time and energy to promoting exchanges, meetings and an “entente cordiale” that transcends all frontiers.

Fifty years : 5 continents, 56 different countries, 262 troupes and two generations of enthusiasts. The grandchildren of the founders are now part of the organising committee and draw a lesson from the wisdom and experience of the pillars of the festival's early days. “Juvenile leads” in 1957, they are still the faithful mainstay of the festival in 2005.

Today, the Mondial du Theatre takes on a planetary dimension, in the form of the International Amateur Theatre Association Aita/Iata. This is the symbol of amateur theatre worldwide. The Mondial is the Festival for amateur actors, it is the essence of their talent and dedication and reflects the tremendous high quality of their work.

May they be welcome. Spurred on by the same spirit of tolerance and understanding, sharing the same enthusiasm, may they communicate their love for the theatre to all our audiences. A thousand welcomes !

Patrice Cellario

General commissioner