2024/06/29-07/21: Festival d'Avignon
The most important contemporary performing arts events in the world
The Festival d'Avignon is one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world. Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, a French actor and director, it takes place annually in Avignon, France, typically during the month of July.
The genesis of the festival can be traced back to Vilar's production of William Shakespeare's "Richard II" at the Court of Honour of the Palais des Papes, the historical residence of the Popes during their stay in Avignon. Vilar was invited to present the play as part of a historical monument exhibition. The success of this performance inspired the establishment of an annual theatre festival.
From its inception, the Festival d'Avignon has been synonymous with avant-garde performance and is well known for its support of contemporary theatre and dance. It encourages experimentation and innovative stagecraft, frequently presenting new works that challenge conventional boundaries of genre and style.
The festival is divided into two distinct sections: the "In" and the "Off." The "In" festival refers to the official line-up of performances curated and organized by the festival's appointed director. These shows are often held in iconic locations around Avignon, such as the aforementioned Palais des Papes, which remains the festival's emblematic site. Over the years, the "In" performances have grown to encompass not just theatre but also dance, music, and visual arts, becoming a space for interdisciplinary creative expression.
The "Off" festival, on the other hand, is a fringe event comprising a vast array of independent performances. It is known for its open-access philosophy where any company or artist can present their work. This section is particularly vibrant and is often seen as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. The "Off" festival operates in parallel to the "In," and despite its unofficial status, it is a fundamental component of the overall Avignon experience.
Each year, the Festival d'Avignon draws in a large international crowd, including spectators, professionals, journalists, and artists from all over the world. The programming is noted for its diversity and the way it reflects contemporary issues and ideas, often engaging with political and social topics through the medium of performance.
The city of Avignon transforms during the festival, with its historic architecture providing a stunning backdrop for performances. Streets are filled with theatre-goers, performers, and artists, creating a carnival atmosphere. Numerous workshops, debates, and discussions take place, fostering an environment of artistic dialogue and exchange.
Over the decades, the Festival d'Avignon has not only influenced the field of performing arts in France but has also had a significant impact on international theatre, serving as a reference point for performance innovation and artistic excellence. It continues to evolve, consistently pushing the envelope and solidifying its place as a pivotal event in the global cultural calendar.
My daughter, a stage actress in Paris, will be playing in Avignon for the first time this summer. A side of the festival many don't know is that virtually all of the smaller troupes play there at a loss, making a real investment in renting the theater, lodging and feeding the performers, plus travel expenses. The potential pay-off is being discovered by programmers.