‘I Like The Fact That…’: Willem Dafoe On Heading Biennale Theater Department As Artistic Director

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As a long-time admirer of Willem Dafoe’s versatile acting skills and his unwavering dedication to his craft, I find it truly inspiring to see him take on yet another challenging role – this time, as the artistic director of the Venice Biennale Theater Department. His passion for theater, coupled with his vast experience in the field, makes him an ideal choice for this position.

For this year’s Venice Film Festival, Willem Dafoe has a busy schedule. Not only is he appearing in the opening film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but he also takes on his new role as the artistic director of the Venice Biennale Theater Department – the festival’s governing body.

As an ardent admirer, hearing about his latest undertaking in a chat with Variety had me absolutely thrilled! The allure of this demanding part was irresistible – it promised excitement, a test of my skills, and the opportunity to expand my knowledge. To top it off, landing this role is an immense privilege for me.

The actor got a call from Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, who outlined the job details to him, which sparked his curiosity right away. “I’m glad he values my past and sees potential for something intriguing together,” Dafoe commented about Buttafuoco, expressing his approval.

In his role as the new director, Willem Dafoe confessed that he’s not overly familiar with the current state of the theater world. However, having a foundation in theater, he emphasized that he grasps its fundamental spirit. “I focus on the physicality and the poetic expression that can be achieved through the body,” he elaborated.

As stated by Dafoe, theater productions aren’t solely about storytelling or character analysis; rather, they revolve around the aesthetic charm of an artist within their given space. His goal is to shift the emphasis away from technical elements and towards fostering an environment centered on artists and actors. This approach aims to offer a liberated and unrestricted setting for everyone involved.

When asked about enforcing these changes, The Lighthouse actor expressed that he would engage in conversations and relay his personal experiences. “The wonderful aspect,” he further stated, “is when there’s a bond with others.”

Dafoe shared that these interactions aim to reassure artists they can express themselves freely within this space, collaborate, and produce something collectively. Many individuals he’s reached out to have wholeheartedly accepted his vision. As he pointed out, they are demonstrating this acceptance by creating fresh pieces or revisiting past work.

The upcoming movie by Dafoe, titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is set to debut at the Venice Film Festival on August 28th, followed by a theater release on September 6th.

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2024-08-30 18:23