arts
Death in Venice: Willem Dafoe thrills theatre biennale with adventurous shows about ghosts and rebirth
From a Noh Othello that puts Desdemona centre stage to a requiem for a family killed in the Rwandan genocide, the theatre at this year’s festival gives voice to the marginalised
TL;DR
- This year's Venice theatre biennale, under Willem Dafoe's direction, features a broad and culturally diverse program with a fusion of theatrical traditions.
- A recurring theme is giving voice to the marginalized and centring lesser-heard stories.
- Davide Iodice's "Promemoria" offers an immersive experience within a care home for the elderly, focusing on their lives and resilience.
- Satoshi Miyagi's "Mugen Noh Othello" reimagines Shakespeare's play to give prominence to Desdemona's ghost, exploring her perspective after her death.
- Other notable productions include "Cries" by Stergioglou and Ktistakis, which addresses the experiences of migrants, and Dorcy Rugamba's "Letter to the Absent," a tribute to victims of the Rwandan genocide.
- Mario Banushi's "Ragada" explores family bereavement and memory in an intimate, wordless performance.
- The biennale concludes Dafoe's initial tenure, with speculation about his potential return for another term.