What theme has Willem Dafoe chosen for the theater department of the Venice Biennale? How does he describe the relationship between the body and theater? What unique elements did Dafoe incorporate into his program for the International Theater Festival?
Willem Dafoe has unveiled his first lineup as the artistic director of the theater department of the Italian arts organization Venice Biennale, the foundation that oversees the Venice Film Festival, under the theme “Theater is body – Body is theater.”
His program for the 53rd International Theater Festival in Venice, running May 31-June 15, includes Davide Iodice’s Pinocchio, starring performers with Down syndrome, autistic spectrum disorder, Williams syndrome and Asperger syndrome, as well as “a performance experiment” with Dafoe himself and actress Simonetta Solder (A Beautiful Imperfection, Succession) in homage to late director Richard Foreman.
“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,” Dafoe tells THR. “I’m an actor, so I see things very much in actors’ terms. The body of the actor, the poetry of the theater, and ritual are the three elements that were part of the criteria for what I was looking for.”
His tribute performance is dear to his heart. “Richard Foreman’s work was one of my favorite theater experiences as an audience. I also worked with him twice, and he was wonderful,” Dafoe shares. “He was always full of contradictions, very intellectually alive, and he made beautiful theater, very enigmatic, not always clear to follow, but always deeply pleasurable. It had those elements I talked about.”
Audiences can expect the unexpected. “I wanted to do a little performance that’s like an experiment that I did with him before he died,” Dafoe explains. “We made a recording of it. He put all these phrases on index cards, hundreds of them, and the phrases were phrases that had been in his head and a mix of things. They weren’t full sentences. They were thoughts. They were fragments. We’d shuffle them and then divide them up between him and myself, and then we would read them back and forth.”
The result? “What was interesting was that sometimes a dialog would take place,” the star recalls. “Sometimes that happened because of the words’ connection. Sometimes, that happened because of a rhythmical connection. Sometimes, it didn’t happen at all. It was interesting. It was sort of pure, and it was a beautiful experiment to do.” The recording will also make a cameo. “Richard passed away but this recording exists. We’ll play a little bit of that at the beginning of this experiment, and then an actress and I will basically do what Richard and I did – take the phrases, shuffle them like cards, she’ll take half, I’ll take half. We’ll go back and forth,” Dafoe tells THR. “Then once we do that, we’ll shuffle it again. We’ll go back and forth. Of course, out of that randomness, some concreteness happens, some kind of connection happens, and that’s a beautiful thing to watch. And we’ll do it a third time in Italian. So I call it an experiment to kind of check expectations.”
Dafoe didn’t know Solder before, but knew he needed a performance partner. “I put feelers out, and a friend of mine suggested a bunch of actresses, and I met with her, and she was the one that I responded to,” he recalls. “She spent some time in the theater world of New York, so we had some connection there. She speaks very good English, and she also translates often. And she’s a really good actress.”
The new take on Pinocchio that he will bring to Venice also touched Dafoe deeply. “Davide Iodice is quite extraordinary in his commitment to what he does, and he works with, for lack of a better word, non-traditional communities making theater,” the star explains. “He also has a theater school for children, and in this particular piece, he’s working with people with special needs. They aren’t your typical performers. They have various challenges, various things that challenge them in the performance. So when they perform, what they do is so essential, so concentrated, so pure.”
It also made Dafoe think. “The subtitle for the show is What Is a Person? Or: What Makes a Human Being? I was very moved by it because it really engaged me in that question,” he says. “What qualifies you as a human being? What is the thing that’s special about each one of us, and how is that manifested or not manifested? And that’s why I was so engaged, and the performers were fantastic.”
The play also created a sense of togetherness. “In this particular performance, it was beautiful to see how the audience came towards that production so deeply,” Dafoe recalls. “It felt like we were all one community, and we were all together with the performance. It was a beautiful evening in the theater, and I hope to see it again, and I have no doubt it’ll be just as beautiful.”
In case you wonder if and what kind of hopes or expectations Dafoe has for audience reactions to his first Biennale theater festival, the star doesn’t want to lose his focus by trying to predict too much. “I’ve got to trust myself. They gave me this appointment because they wanted to see what I would bring, and that’s what I concentrate on,” he tells THR. “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. All you can do is trust the source and then hope that people will come to it.”
Willem Dafoe on Uniting Theater: Reflections on the First Venice Fest Program and the Spirit of Experimentation
Willem Dafoe, a dynamic and versatile actor known for his compelling performances in films like Platoon, The Florida Project, and Spider-Man, has always embraced the transformative power of theater and cinema. With a career spanning decades, Dafoe has been a torchbearer for innovation in storytelling and the arts. Recently, he engaged in conversations about the intersection of theater, the cinematic experience, and the importance of experimental programs in fostering creativity. His insights carry particular resonance with the legacy of the Venice Film Festival, an event that has long stood as a beacon for avant-garde experimentation in film.
The Roots of Theater in Film
For Dafoe, the essence of performance lies in its roots in theater. Growing up in a family that appreciated the arts, he was drawn to the immediate and raw nature of live performance. Theater, in Dafoe’s view, represents a unique form of storytelling where the audience’s presence transforms every show into a distinct experience. This immediacy can be especially powerful for actors, who thrive on the energy and reactions of the audience.
His belief in the importance of theater translates into his cinematic work, where he often seeks to incorporate theatrical techniques into his roles. Dafoe argues that great film acting requires a sense of play and exploration, akin to what one experiences on stage. The challenge lies in retaining the essence of theater while adapting it to the more controlled, visual language of film. It’s this delicate balancing act that Dafoe has mastered throughout his career.
Celebrating the First Venice Film Festival Program
The Venice Film Festival, the oldest film festival in the world, has played an essential role in promoting the convergence of cinema and other art forms. This year marked the festival’s commitment to prioritizing bold, experimental storytelling with the introduction of its first dedicated program focusing on innovative thematic explorations. This initiative embraced a range of genres including documentaries, shorts, and narrative features that challenge traditional cinematic forms.
Dafoe, who has a close connection with Venice’s artistic ethos, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s willingness to push boundaries. "The Venice Film Festival is a unique platform for filmmakers, providing an opportunity for their work to be visible on an international stage. It champions those who take risks, who challenge norms," he said. “By recognizing the fluidity of different artistic expressions—such as theater, performance art, and film—it creates a rich tapestry that benefits both creators and viewers.”
This year’s program featured notable works that exemplified a blend of theatricality and cinematic innovation. From immersive experiences that blurred the line between reality and fiction to striking visuals that evoked emotional responses, the festival proved to be a fertile ground for creators who dare to experiment. Dafoe’s excitement about the festival is rooted in his belief that such initiatives prompt deeper dialogues among artists, critics, and audiences alike.
The Spirit of Experimentation
One of the key tenets of the Venice festival’s program is its encouragement of experimentation. For Dafoe, experimentation is not simply about breaking rules for the sake of it; rather, it’s a vital component of artistic growth and expression. In an era where mainstream cinema often follows strict formulas, pushing boundaries becomes essential for revitalizing the medium and keeping it dynamic.
“Experimentation is the lifeblood of art,” Dafoe explains. “When artists are willing to step outside their comfort zones, they unlock new avenues for storytelling and emotional resonance.” Dafoe’s own projects, such as his collaboration with directors like Lars von Trier and Jim Jarmusch, embody this spirit of pushing creative limits. He celebrates the instinct to take risks, whether that manifests in thematic choices or stylistic approaches.
Moreover, the experimental nature of art allows for a more profound connection between artists and audiences. Dafoe acknowledges that taking risks often leads to vulnerable storytelling that resonates deeply. It empowers both the creators and spectators to engage in meaningful discussions that extend beyond the confines of the theater or screen.
Conclusion
Willem Dafoe’s thoughts on uniting theater, the first Venice Fest program, and the essence of experimentation shine a light on the interconnectedness of different art forms in enriching the human experience. As a stalwart advocate for creativity and innovation, he understands that both theater and cinema serve as platforms for shared stories, cultural dialogues, and collective introspection.
The Venice Film Festival’s inaugural program embracing such experimental expressions is not only a celebration of artistic diversity but also a reminder that the essence of storytelling lies in the willingness to explore the unfamiliar. In continuing to cultivate this spirit, we honor the past while envisioning the future of theater and cinema – as interconnected realms of exploration, innovation, and profound connection.
Willem Dafoe has long been a prominent figure in the world of theater and film, known for his ability to bridge the gap between these two forms of artistic expression. His insights into the unifying power of theater highlight its role as a space for experimentation and innovation.
The first Venice Film Festival was initiated in 1932 and has since evolved into a significant platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. This year, the festival’s program reflects a commitment to exploring new narratives and avant-garde storytelling techniques, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives in cinema.
Dafoe’s contributions to theater are rooted in his belief that it serves as a living art form capable of challenging societal norms and sparking dialogue. His performances often embody this philosophy, pushing boundaries and offering audiences a chance to engage with complex themes. By fostering a collaborative environment, he encourages creativity among actors, directors, and playwrights alike.
Experimentation is essential in both theater and film, as it allows artists to delve into uncharted territories, both technically and narratively. This year’s festival program showcases a diverse array of films that prioritize originality and tackle pressing issues, encouraging filmmakers to think outside the box.
As the lines between theater and cinema continue to blur, Dafoe’s perspective on their interconnected nature becomes increasingly relevant. The dialogue between these two art forms not only enriches the creative landscape but also provides audiences with a deeper appreciation of the narratives being presented. Through his work and the initiatives at events like the Venice Film Festival, the potential for innovation and growth in both arenas remains vibrant and compelling.