A TOUCHING STORY
FROM 1957 TO 2005

To try and condense into one page the whole history of the Mondial du Théâtre is an impossible feat. In order to narrate this story which begins in 1957 and which, thanks to our many volunteers we hope is far from being ended, we have delved into our memories. The choice of texts which are presented here is of course mainly personal, but a selection of the most important and interesting data is included which will enhance our present event. So let us flip together through the pages of this album ...

Inception

The festival is the brainchild of two enthusiasts Guy Brousse, founder of the Studio de Monaco, and René Cellario, whose dreams and passion for the stage gave birth to this event. In 1957 they decided to invite to Monaco all the theatre lovers in the world : 11 countries responded, and so began an exciting adventure !

The take-off

With the support of the IATA, the Festival quickly took on world status as a meeting ground where the culture of 5 continents was represented. From the original 11 countries participating in 1957, the number had increased to 20 by 1973.

The brainchild had grown up and blossomed under the impetus of a host of actors who every 4 years tread the boards of the most prestigious stages of the Principality : the Opéra Garnier of Monte-Carlo, Théâtre Princesse Grace, Salle des Variétés, Theatre of the Fort Antoine.

Expansion

Concomitantly with the Festival is held the IATA/AITA Congress. Delegates from all over the world gather in Monaco to devise strategies for the development of amateur theatre.

Since 1957, 12 congresses have been held in the Principality; thus contributing to the aim of the association which is to improve education and comprehension through the means of the theatre.

The Festival is also the occasion for all participating actors to join in workshops directed by well-known and established pedagogues. Since inception, these workshops have covered a wide range of theatrical themes : improvisation, masks, corporal expression, kabuki, characterization ...

The daily debates are also an opportunity for all participants to exchange views and experiences and the techniques of their craft. These debates are chaired by international figures specialising in cultural matters and the art of communication.

The present time

Presently the Mondial du Théâtre gathers every four years 24 troupes from different countries who exchange theatrical experiences and share their techniques, their aims and their love of the theatre.

A wide choice of venues are available to them : Grimaldi Forum, Street theatre ...

All this animation fuses into creating a Festival Village manned around the clock, a hub of activity and a meeting place, where friendly contacts are made and where everybody soon merges into one big happy family.

Since 1957 the Mondial du Théâtre has hosted 60 countries, 239 troupes, 357 performances and 5850 participants. Not to mention the 200 volunteer helpers from the Studio de Monaco who give up their free time in order to dedicate themselves to this unique organisation devoted to freedom of expression and international exchanges.