Willem Dafoe Launches Venice Biennale Theater Festival

Willem Dafoe is set to make his mark as the artistic director of the Venice Biennale's International Theatre Festival, which kicks off on May 31, 2025. Titled "Theatre Is Body – Body Is Poetry," this festival will run until June 15, showcasing a diverse lineup that includes both established names and emerging talents in the world of experimental theater.

Dafoe's inaugural festival program reflects his commitment to the art form, featuring acclaimed groups such as the Odin Teatret, Italy's Romeo Castellucci, Germany's Thomas Ostermeier, and Switzerland's Milo Rau. The festival will also spotlight rising stars like Afro-Belgian multidisciplinary artist Princess Bangura, who will present two solo shows: "Oedipus Monologue" and "Great Apes of the West Coast." This blend of seasoned and new artists underscores Dafoe's vision of a theater that emphasizes the physicality of performance.

In an interview with Variety, Dafoe expressed his excitement about the festival, particularly highlighting Davide Iodice's "Pinocchio – What is a Person?" which features performers with special needs. He remarked, "I mean, it’s by someone who is very accomplished. But I wasn’t familiar with his work. Naples is a great theater city, and I’ve never been amid an audience where I felt like they are so much with the performance." Dafoe praised Iodice's commitment to making theater accessible and engaging for all, stating that the piece is beautifully designed and performed primarily by children with special needs.

The festival's opening night will feature a revival of the Wooster Group's "Symphony of Rats," a play originally written by the late Richard Foreman in 1988. Dafoe noted that Foreman, who passed away in January 2025, encouraged reinterpretation of his work, saying, "Do whatever you want with it. I don’t want to recognize it." This revival, while rooted in the past, speaks to contemporary themes, and Dafoe is eager to explore its relevance today.

"It may have been written 40 years ago, but it was just recently remade with a different production," Dafoe explained. "I’m more interested in the aesthetics and the effect of the theater than I am about the content." His focus is on creating experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, rather than simply conveying a narrative.

Dafoe will also pay tribute to Foreman through a performance called "No Title," in collaboration with Italian actress Simonetta Solder. This homage involves a unique experiment in which Dafoe and Solder will shuffle and read fragments of Foreman's writings, echoing the improvisational style they shared. "Richard, the year before he died, said: 'When you come to New York, I’d like to do a recording with you.'" Dafoe recalled their time together, emphasizing the beauty of the spontaneous dialogue that emerged from their work.

"It was interesting to see how something random can form itself and make sense, and then fall from sense," Dafoe shared. The performance will also include a section in Italian, further enriching the experience for the audience.

Emerging artist Evangelia Randou, known for her collaboration with filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, will present a site-specific piece with her company Garage21. Dafoe expressed his admiration for her talent, stating, "I just felt great affinity when we were working on this quite complicated dance piece for the film." Her work exemplifies the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and innovative approaches to theater.

Another highlight of Dafoe's lineup is the inclusion of the Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble, featuring the whirling dervishes. Dafoe has long been fascinated by the intersection of performance and spirituality, noting, "I’ve always been interested in the marriage of performance or some involvement with the body with a spiritual impulse." This performance will showcase the physical discipline of the dervishes, adding a unique dimension to the festival.

As the festival approaches, Dafoe remains focused on the core elements of theater: body, poetry, and ritual. He explained, "My intention is ultimately just to bring beautiful theater to the selection. But it’s a particular kind of theater that is very close to the actor." This philosophy has guided his curation process, as he aims to create a festival that resonates with both performers and audiences.

Reflecting on his journey in the theater world, Dafoe recounted how his early experiences with the Wooster Group and Richard Foreman shaped his artistic vision. "Basically, I wanted to present things that were specific, unique, special, and essential about theater," he said. His dedication to avant-garde theater is evident in his programming choices, as he seeks to challenge traditional structures and create a space for experimentation.

With the Venice Biennale's International Theatre Festival on the horizon, Dafoe is eager to share his vision with the world. He hopes that audiences will embrace the unexpected and engage deeply with the performances. "Of course, I hope that the audience loves it. I hope it’s something that gives them a lot. But I think you get in trouble sometimes when you try to anticipate the effect of something," he cautioned.

Ultimately, Dafoe's inaugural festival promises to be a celebration of the transformative power of theater, inviting audiences to explore the boundaries of performance art. As he prepares for the opening night, he remains committed to his belief that theater should be an immersive experience that transcends conventional expectations. With his passion and dedication, Dafoe is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Venice Biennale and the world of theater.