Andrea Jiménez's 'Casting Lear' Stuns at Festival d'Avignon 2026

At the 2026 Festival d'Avignon, Spanish director Andrea Jiménez presents 'Casting Lear,' a radical adaptation of Shakespeare's 'King Lear.' Each night, a different actor performs the lead role without rehearsal, guided via earpiece by actor Matthieu Luro (text) and Jiménez (blocking). On July 24 and 25, Denis Podalydès took the stage, delivering a performance of raw vulnerability and masterful control. The production interweaves Shakespeare's tragedy with Jiménez's personal history, exploring paternal power and forgiveness. Co-directed with Úrsula Martínez, the staging seamlessly shifts between the classic text and intimate autobiography. Podalydès's ability to respond to the audience in real time created a unique, unrepeatable experience, earning a prolonged standing ovation. The show is hailed as one of the festival's highlights, demonstrating theater's capacity for spontaneity and shared trust.