Interplay Festival in Turin Goes Digital for 20th Edition Amid COVID-19

Interplay, the Turin-based festival dedicated to young Italian dance, launches its 20th edition on May 20, 2020, with a hybrid format due to the COVID-19 emergency. Half of the festival runs digitally from May 20 to 30, featuring 10 companies from 14 countries; the other half is postponed to autumn (September–November) and will be hosted by other festivals and venues. Artistic director Natalia Casorati explains that the budget originally allocated for travel and accommodation was redirected to strengthen digital and communication efforts. Performances will be streamed on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, available only during the festival days. Each evening will be introduced by an expert who interviews the artists; interviews are pre-recorded but edited to appear live. Italian companies will still receive their fees despite the cancellation of physical performances. Casorati emphasizes that the crisis has spurred collaboration within the performing arts sector, with discussions involving MiBACT and local authorities to develop alternative plans. The festival's theme, 'challenge,' chosen before the emergency, now resonates even more strongly. The digital component aims to reach audiences who might not attend theater in person.