Willem Dafoe and Wayne McGregor Unveil 2025 Venice Biennale Theatre and Dance Programs
Scheduled from May 31 to June 15, 2025, the 53rd Venice Biennale International Theatre Festival, under the curation of Willem Dafoe, is themed 'Theatre is Body – Body is Poetry'. Dafoe's lineup includes artists he has previously collaborated with, alongside a homage to Nuovo Teatro legends like Elizabeth LeCompte, who will be awarded a Golden Lion. The festival will showcase contemporary figures such as Romeo Castellucci and rising stars like Evangelia Rantou. In tribute to Richard Foreman, Dafoe will perform alongside Simonetta Solder. Additionally, the 19th International Festival of Contemporary Dance, led by Wayne McGregor, will take place from July 17 to August 2, 2025, themed 'Myth Makers', featuring over 160 artists and multiple premieres, including pieces by William Forsythe and Twyla Tharp.
Key facts
- 53rd Venice Biennale International Theatre Festival runs May 31–June 15, 2025.
- Willem Dafoe is artistic director for the first time; title is 'Theatre is Body – Body is Poetry'.
- Dafoe has 50 years of theatre experience, 27 with Wooster Group.
- Festival pays homage to Nuovo Teatro masters from the legendary 1975 edition directed by Luca Ronconi.
- Elizabeth LeCompte receives Golden Lion for lifetime achievement.
- 19th International Festival of Contemporary Dance runs July 17–August 2, 2025.
- Wayne McGregor directs for the fourth time; theme is 'Myth Makers'.
- Over 160 artists featured; eight world premieres, seven European, five Italian.
- Tao Dance Theater, Silver Lion 2023, presents two new commissioned works.
- Twyla Tharp celebrates 50 years of activity and 84th birthday.
Entities
Artists
- Willem Dafoe
- Wayne McGregor
- Bob Wilson
- Romeo Castellucci
- Eugenio Barba
- Julia Varley
- Thomas Richards
- Satyamo Hernandez
- Chris Torch
- Toby Marshall
- Elizabeth LeCompte
- Simonetta Solder
- Richard Foreman
- Thomas Ostermeier
- Milo Rau
- Ursina Lardi
- Davide Iodice
- Gardi Hutter
- Bob Holman
- Evangelia Rantou
- Princess Bangura
- Yana Eva Thönnes
- Anthony Nikolchev
- Daniela Pes
- Mariasole Brusa
- Jacopo Giacomoni
- Athos Mion
- Antonio Latella
- Marcos Morau
- Tânia Carvalho
- Antonio de Rosa
- Mattia Russo
- William Forsythe
- Rauf 'RubberLegz' Yasit
- Lex Ishimoto
- Riley Watts
- Brigel Gjoka
- Aidan Carberry
- Jordan Johnson
- Akash Odedra
- Yoann Bourgeois
- Virginie Brunelle
- Twyla Tharp
- Carolina Bianchi
- Anthony Matsena
- Sasha Waltz
- Terry Riley
- Luca Ronconi
- Laura Bevione
Institutions
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Wooster Group
- Odin Teatret
- Workcenter Grotowski
- Living Theatre
- Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble
- Industria Indipendente
- Biennale College
- Accademia d'Arte Drammatica Silvio d'Amico di Roma
- La Veronal
- Kor'sia
- Teatro La Scala di Milano
- JA Collective
- Akash Odedra Company
- Chunky Move
- Tao Dance Theater
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Rome
- Naples
- Madrid
- Milan
- Australia
- China
- Portugal
- Greece
- Belgium
- Germany
- United States
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Switzerland