Biennale Teatro 2020 Confronts Censorship in Venice

The 2020 Biennale Teatro, the final edition under Antonio Latella's direction, took place in September instead of its usual summer slot. The festival centered on the theme of censorship in its various forms—political, linguistic, self-imposed, or born from violence, fear, or modesty. Latella invited artists to create original works for the Biennale to avoid future programming constraints, focusing on people over product. The program highlighted Italian theater, especially younger or niche artists. Daniele Bartolini's 'The Right Way' is a one-on-one performance where the spectator becomes a director staging the meeting of Adam and Eve, exploring gender and political correctness. Industria Indipendente's 'Klub Taiga' is an immersive, shape-shifting space with a concert of theater and dance by Federica Santoro, Steve Pepe, and Yva&The Toy George. Filippo Michelangelo Ceredi's 'Eve#2' investigates hate speech and personal depression, using the story of his friend Paolo to confront fear. Giuliana Musso's 'Dentro' addresses child sexual abuse within the family, based on a dialogue with a mother, questioning truth and justice. The festival ran at the Arsenale, which was unusually empty due to the pandemic.