Exclusive Insight
EXCLUSIVE: Willem Dafoe voices his concerns over U.S. government’s meddling in artistic affairs.
Dafoe is taken aback by President Trump’s approach, noting, “for a president who seems to advocate for limited government, it’s ironic how intrusive the government has become in the cultural sector.”
The acclaimed actor and theater enthusiast asserts that Trump should “allow artists to pursue their craft and let their work speak for itself.” He believes art fosters social compassion and responsibility, which should be left to the community.
During the interview, Dafoe shared his thoughts as he took on the role of artistic director at the 53rd International Theater Festival in Venice, a position he will hold for two years.
The Challenge of Political Interference in Arts
Concerning Trump’s influence over the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., where he has appointed himself as the artistic director, Dafoe reflects on the potential hazards. “There are numerous issues,” he remarks. “It’s not just about poor quality productions; I can hardly envisage Donald Trump curating a compelling lineup at the Kennedy Center. I’d rather not delve too deep into that topic.”
Despite the sensitive nature of these discussions, Dafoe is unafraid of controversy. “Trouble doesn’t bother me,” he states confidently.
Theater remains Dafoe’s greatest passion, embodying his belief that “all the world’s a stage.”
Recalling our last meeting at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where we were impressed by the lemon pizza, now the excitement is about his plans for the festival.
For Dafoe, being nominated for an Oscar signifies “a wonderful chance to curate meaningful content and collaborate with inspiring individuals to make a difference and provide a platform for things that are important to me. It’s truly a privilege,” he shares.
Theater has profoundly shaped Dafoe’s approach to performance, influencing his daily routine and artistic expression.
Among the highlights of Dafoe’s selections is a performance by The Wooster Group, an avant-garde ensemble he has been involved with since his early twenties.
His colleague and former partner, Elizabeth LeCompte, will pay tribute to the late avant-garde pioneer Richard Foreman by staging his 1988 play Symphony For Rats, featuring a tyrannical president. This play will have its European debut at the festival on May 31, and the following night, LeCompte will be honored with the festival’s Golden Lion Award for her career achievements.
Dafoe, who has long admired Foreman’s work, will also present a “performative experiment” titled No title, a piece composed of random phrases that create an engaging narrative through their unpredictability.
Together with Italian actress Simonetta Solder, Dafoe will perform No title, combining live performance with recorded snippets. The performance will be predominantly in English, with portions in Italian, showcasing a dynamic experiment in language and psychology.
Theater, according to Dafoe, is essential not only as an art form but as a societal cornerstone. “It serves as a vital space for communal reflection and reimagining realities beyond our virtual confines,” he explains.
Dafoe’s curation reflects a celebration of 50 years of transformative theater, honoring figures like Luca Ronconi and integrating innovative works from contemporary theater artists like Thomas Ostermeier and Romeo Castellucci.
In particular, Dafoe is excited about utilizing diverse performance spaces, from grand palaces to historical industrial sites, transforming them into vibrant artistic venues.
Ostermeier’s recent work will premiere in Italy, and Milo Rau’s new play The Seer, will delve into the traumatic experiences of war photographers, questioning the role of art in alleviating suffering.
Dafoe’s programming also includes innovative approaches to traditional narratives, such as Davide Iodice’s puppet version of Pinocchio, performed by actors with various cognitive conditions, exploring themes of identity and difference.
Reflecting on the absence of British artists in the festival, Dafoe humorously notes their busy schedules but hopes for their participation in future editions.
For his inaugural role as artistic director, Dafoe focuses on showcasing works by artists he respects rather than scouting globally, aiming to foster a community-centric theater experience.
Away from the stage, Dafoe is set to star alongside Tom Hiddleston in Tenzing, a film about the historical ascent of Mount Everest, directed by Jennifer Peedom. Dafoe is enthusiastic about the adventure that awaits with the upcoming mountain training and film production.
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