{"value"=>"<p>In 1949, ITI's plan for a \"Theatre of Nations\" festival project was documented at the second Congress in Zurich. In 1954, the first Festival International d'Art Dramatique Paris was produced by A.M. Julien, in partnership with ITI and the French authorities. The Théâtre des Nations was formally inaugurated in 1957, financed by the French government and the city of Paris; the Festival remained in Paris through 1972. A two month season of foreign plays was organized annually, with 49 countries participating in the first nine years.</p> <p>The festival was envisioned as a forum where nations and cultures would have the opportunity to show the unique and distinctive features of their national theatre. Quality, plurality, and diversity in contemporary theatre were the objectives. After 1970, the Festival moved out of Paris to rotate among cities throughout the world.</p>"}