Willem Dafoe Named Artistic Director of Venice Biennale Theater Department
Willem Dafoe, the esteemed American actor known for his multifaceted career spanning mainstream blockbusters and arthouse cinema, has been appointed the artistic director of the Venice Biennale theater department for 2025 and 2026. Born on July 22, 1955, Dafoe has garnered acclaim for his versatility and intense performances, earning numerous accolades including the Volpi Cup for Best Actor and nominations for four Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and four Golden Globe Awards. Throughout his career, he has collaborated extensively with visionary directors such as Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, Lars von Trier, Julian Schnabel, Wes Anderson, and Robert Eggers.
The Venice Biennale’s theater department, established in 1934 alongside its renowned art, music, and cinema branches, has a distinguished history with directors like Renato Simoni, Luca Ronconi, and Carmelo Bene at its helm. The department’s annual programs coincide with major cultural events like the Venice Film Festival, enriching the city’s cultural landscape with innovative theatrical productions.
Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, chairman of the Biennale board of directors, expressed enthusiasm about Dafoe’s appointment, stating: “It is an honor to announce Willem Dafoe as the Director of Biennale Teatro. Theater is the original home of his illustrious career, having co-founded the legendary Wooster Group in 1977. His mastery of the stage, rooted in discipline, knowledge, passion, and profound theatrical awareness, promises an exceptional festival. I eagerly anticipate the productions he will curate and the mentorship he will provide to young artists at the Theatre College.”
Dafoe commented on his new role, saying, “I was pleasantly surprised when Pietrangelo Buttafuoco invited me to direct the International Theatre Festival of La Biennale di Venezia 2025-2026. While I am primarily known for my film work, my roots lie in theater. It is where I developed as an actor and found my artistic voice. Theater, to me, is a profound exploration of the essence of the body and a constant learning experience about art and life. With 27 years at the Wooster Group and collaborations with esteemed directors like Richard Foreman and Bob Wilson, my approach to this festival will reflect my personal journey and vision.”
As Dafoe prepares for his new role, he remains engaged in the film world, with his upcoming movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice set to open the Venice Film Festival this year. His dual presence in both film and theater underscores his versatile career and his enduring commitment to artistic exploration and innovation. Dafoe’s appointment marks a significant chapter in the history of the Venice Biennale theater department, promising a period of artistic growth, innovation, and mentorship under his seasoned guidance. His influence as an actor and director will undoubtedly enrich the cultural fabric of Venice and inspire future generations of theater artists.
SOURCE Variety
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Willem Dafoe, the esteemed American actor known for his multifaceted career spanning mainstream blockbusters and arthouse cinema, has been appointed the artistic director of the Venice Biennale theater department for 2025 and 2026. Born on July 22, 1955, Dafoe has garnered acclaim for his versatility and intense performances, earning numerous accolades including the Volpi Cup for Best Actor and nominations for four Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and four Golden Globe Awards. Throughout his career, he has collaborated extensively with visionary directors such as Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, Lars von Trier, Julian Schnabel, Wes Anderson, and Robert Eggers.
The Venice Biennale’s theater department, established in 1934 alongside its renowned art, music, and cinema branches, has a distinguished history with directors like Renato Simoni, Luca Ronconi, and Carmelo Bene at its helm. The department’s annual programs coincide with major cultural events like the Venice Film Festival, enriching the city’s cultural landscape with innovative theatrical productions.
Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, chairman of the Biennale board of directors, expressed enthusiasm about Dafoe’s appointment, stating: “It is an honor to announce Willem Dafoe as the Director of Biennale Teatro. Theater is the original home of his illustrious career, having co-founded the legendary Wooster Group in 1977. His mastery of the stage, rooted in discipline, knowledge, passion, and profound theatrical awareness, promises an exceptional festival. I eagerly anticipate the productions he will curate and the mentorship he will provide to young artists at the Theatre College.”
Dafoe commented on his new role, saying, “I was pleasantly surprised when Pietrangelo Buttafuoco invited me to direct the International Theatre Festival of La Biennale di Venezia 2025-2026. While I am primarily known for my film work, my roots lie in theater. It is where I developed as an actor and found my artistic voice. Theater, to me, is a profound exploration of the essence of the body and a constant learning experience about art and life. With 27 years at the Wooster Group and collaborations with esteemed directors like Richard Foreman and Bob Wilson, my approach to this festival will reflect my personal journey and vision.”
As Dafoe prepares for his new role, he remains engaged in the film world, with his upcoming movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice set to open the Venice Film Festival this year. His dual presence in both film and theater underscores his versatile career and his enduring commitment to artistic exploration and innovation. Dafoe’s appointment marks a significant chapter in the history of the Venice Biennale theater department, promising a period of artistic growth, innovation, and mentorship under his seasoned guidance. His influence as an actor and director will undoubtedly enrich the cultural fabric of Venice and inspire future generations of theater artists.
SOURCE Variety
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