Biennale Teatro 2019: Highlights and Misses from Venice

Directed by Antonio Latella, the 2019 Biennale Teatro posed the question, 'What is dramaturgy today?' The festival commenced with Jetse Batelaan's Story of the Story, featuring a child inquiring, 'History, where are you?' Batelaan was awarded the Silver Lion for children's theater, while Jens Hillje received the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. The lineup included reinterpretations such as Alessandro Serra's The Cherry Orchard and Giovanni Ortoleva's Saul, along with contributions from Club Gewalt and Miet Warlop. Lucia Calamaro's Nostalgia of God displayed impressive acting but fell short in engagement. Leonardo Manzan's Cirano Must Die replaced traditional dialogue with rap. Club Gewalt's Yuri enthralled audiences, and Miet Warlop's Mystery Magnet offered absurdity. Julian Hetzel's All Inclusive recreated a war museum. Over 100 young artists participated in the Biennale College, with Caroline Baglioni and Martina Badiluzzi among the winners. The festival was sold out from the very first day.