Death in Venice: Willem Dafoe thrills theatre biennale with adventurous shows about ghosts and rebirth | Theatre

The 54th edition of the Venice theatre biennale, directed by actor Willem Dafoe, features a globally focused program titled “Alter Native” that runs through June 21. Unlike his debut year, which focused on personal influences and experimental nostalgia, Dafoe’s current lineup emphasizes cross-cultural dialogue, the voices of marginalized communities, and immersive theatrical experiences.

Did You Know? The Venice theatre biennale’s current program, “Alter Native,” includes Davide Iodice’s Promemoria, a production that requires audience members to physically travel through the rooms and gardens of a real care home for the elderly in Venice.

A Shift Toward Global Perspectives

Dafoe’s curation for the 2024 festival marks a departure from the “mannered” and “arcane” style of his previous program. According to festival materials, the new direction emphasizes “encounters between cultures,” creating a fusion of traditions that spans from Indonesia to India. Notable productions include Satoshi Miyagi’s Mugen Noh Othello, which integrates 13th-century Japanese Noh rituals with Shakespearean drama, and Christos Stergioglou and Alex Drakos Ktistakis’ Cries, which blends ancient Greek drama with contemporary musical storytelling.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Dafoe’s transition from a nostalgic, actor-centric program to one centered on global social issues suggests a deliberate effort to use the biennale as a platform for political and social advocacy. By centering marginalized narratives—such as the experiences of migrants or the elderly—the program moves away from pure aesthetic performance toward theater as a tool for societal transformation.

Centering Marginalized Stories

A recurring theme in the festival is the amplification of lesser-heard voices, highlighted by the presentation of the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement to Sicilian playwright Emma Dante. Dante is recognized for works that focus on social outcasts and pariahs. This mission is further realized in Davide Iodice’s Promemoria, which features 21 residents of the San Giobbe care home alongside professional actors. The project explores the humanity and residual beauty found within the vulnerability of cognitive decline and aging.

Other works address historical trauma and displacement. Dorcy Rugamba’s Letter to the Absent, based on his book Hewa Rwanda, seeks to reclaim the stories of Rwandan genocide victims from the perspective of their families rather than their attackers. Similarly, Cries utilizes song to articulate the plight of migrants, with performers delivering pointed commentary on the hostility often faced by those fleeing their homes.

What Happens Next

With this biennale, Willem Dafoe concludes the minimum two-year tenure required of an artistic director. His future at the festival remains unconfirmed, though the breadth of the current lineup suggests he is settling into a distinct curatorial rhythm. Observers may expect the biennale’s leadership to announce whether Dafoe will extend his contract for another term following the conclusion of the event on June 21. Should he remain, the festival could continue to prioritize these immersive and socially conscious experimental formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the title “Alter Native”?
According to Dafoe, the title refers to encounters between different cultures where the familiar enters into a dialogue, acting as a catalyst for transformation.

Are there any events outside the official lineup?
Yes, a six-hour durational production of Samuel Beckett’s How It Is is being staged at the Palazzo Diedo. While not part of Dafoe’s official biennale, it aligns with the festival’s emphasis on immersive and experiential theater.

Who received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement?
The Golden Lion was awarded to Emma Dante, a Sicilian playwright known for creating works that feature outcasts and social pariahs.

Do you believe theater is becoming more effective at addressing social issues by moving out of traditional venues and into real-world spaces like care homes?