Biennale Teatro 2021: Blue as a Symbol of Rebirth and the Power of Ritual

The 2021 Venice Biennale Teatro, directed by ricci/forte, adopts blue as its thematic color, symbolizing movement, energy, and a future-oriented vision. The directors explain that blue, the color of Miró's dreams and Goethe's strange visual effect, represents both the sky and a coffin lid, reflecting the pandemic's impact on theater. The festival aims to challenge contingencies and reconnect a fragmented community through the ritual of live performance. The Golden Lion was awarded to Krzysztof Warlikowski and the Silver Lion to Kae Tempest, both recognized for their innovative, hybrid languages that merge video, theater, and hip hop, addressing social and political issues such as identity and gender. The directors emphasize the importance of ambiguity in art and the need for clarity in individual expression. The Biennale College program, with three calls for applications (dramaturgy, directing, and a new site-specific call), focuses on nurturing young talent, providing a 'safe zone' for experimentation and growth. The site-specific call aims to revive public square theater, responding to audience reluctance to return to indoor venues. The interview underscores the Biennale's role as a convener of energies and a platform for necessary cultural discourse.