Festival of Theatre

The Festival of Theatre offers a programme of free theatrical activities for the public in Geneva and beyond. It highlights the heritage of the performing arts in the city, and brings together both cultural and non-cultural institutions.

Festival of Theatre (Fête du Théâtre)

The Festival of Theatre is an opportunity to rediscover the magic of theatre in all its forms. From classical drama to contemporary creations, including musical pieces and more experimental performances, it offers a range of emotions and reflections that remind us of the importance of live performance.

The performances take place in various venues around the city, including places that you may not expect theatre to appear. Unusual venues from previous years include the Museum of Art and History, the Geneva Museum of Ethnography and even outside by the Brunswick Monument! What a great way to explore some of the museums and historical sites of Geneva.

The unusual locations are part of encouraging people to connect with theatre in a different way, and to further this goal, all of the performances are totally free!

While French is the predominant language of the festival, many pieces are performative in nature and do not require any language to be understood. What's more, each year there are typically a few English-language shows.

The 2024 theme of the Festival of Theatre

In 2024, the Festival of Theatre is structured around an ambitious theme: the Art of Encounter. This common thread highlights the power of theatre as a meeting place between cultures, generations and ideas. It invites us to celebrate the links woven between artists and their audiences, but also to explore the possible dialogues between theatrical traditions and bold innovations.

At a time when the world needs dialogue and understanding, theatre plays an essential role as a mirror of our humanity. It allows us to feel the joys and sorrows of others and to understand the complexity of the human experience. The Festival of Theatre is an invitation to celebrate our diversity and to dream together of a fairer and more beautiful world.

Attending the Festival of Theatre

The festival takes place across the whole city of Geneva, but venues are almost always easily accessible using public transport.

Keep an eye on the Festival of Theatre website for the full programme. All events are free, but you can reserve a spot for some performances if you're worried about missing out.