Is Willem Dafoe about to redefine the future of theatre? As the acclaimed actor steps into the role of artistic director for the Venice Biennale International Theatre Festival, the stage is set for a daring and imaginative new chapter in his storied career.
Known for his intensity and commitment on screen, Dafoe’s heart has always belonged to the theatre. Now 69, the veteran actor brings decades of experience and an unshakable passion to one of the world’s most prestigious arts platforms. And he’s not just showing up—he’s planning to shake things up.
From his Roman apartment—lined with well-worn books and aged wooden decor that radiates character—Dafoe reflects on his creative journey. Wearing a checked shirt and classic horn-rimmed glasses, he appears calm and thoughtful. But beneath that unassuming surface lies a creative fire that’s anything but ordinary.
Our conversation takes place on a day steeped in theatrical legacy—Shakespeare’s birthday and the anniversary of his death. Unsurprisingly, the Bard comes up quickly. Dafoe doesn’t mince words: “Shakespeare doesn’t care,” he says, waving off traditionalist interpretations of the playwright’s work. He’s critical of performances that rely too much on "pointing and indicating," preferring raw emotion and deeper engagement with language.
It’s in language and innovation where Dafoe’s true passion lies. “That’s what I’m interested in—exploring the possibilities of language, of pushing the boundaries of what theatre can do,” he explains, eyes gleaming. It’s this mindset that will shape his vision for the Venice Biennale.
During his two-year tenure as artistic director, Dafoe plans to reimagine familiar stories through a radical new lens. One of his first major undertakings? A bold, unsettling adaptation of Pinocchio—a far cry from the fairy tale version. "I want to create something that's raw, something that puts a finger in the wound," he says. It's a visceral approach, one that mirrors the emotional intensity he brings to every role.
For Dafoe, this is more than a high-profile position—it’s a personal mission. He’s seeking not just to entertain but to provoke, to awaken, and to reconnect audiences with the primal energy of live performance. His approach champions vulnerability, risk, and transformation—cornerstones of the kind of theatre that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
As rehearsals begin and creative plans take shape, one thing is certain: Willem Dafoe’s vision for the Venice Biennale is set to challenge, surprise, and inspire. The world of theatre is watching—and waiting—for the curtain to rise on what could be one of the most electrifying directorial eras in recent memory.