The Festival d'Avignon is one of the most important contemporary performing arts events in the world. It is held every year in Avignon, a city in the south of France. The festival began in 1947 and is usually held in July.
The festival was founded by Jean Vilar who was invited by the city to present his new play "Murder in the Cathedral". Vilar suggested instead that he should be given the whole of the Palais des Papes, a majestic fortress and papal residence built in the 14th century, to explore the idea of a festival within the city. This led to the creation of the Festival d'Avignon, which eventually became an annual event.
The festival is famous for hosting a wide range of performances, including theatre, dance, music, and cinema. It is divided into two parts: the "In" festival and the "Off" festival. The "In" festival features performances selected by the official festival director, and these often take place in the Cour d'Honneur (the main courtyard) of the Palais des Papes. The "Off" festival, on the other hand, is a fringe event that takes place throughout the city in various theatres, streets, and other spaces; it's a vast and diverse collection of independent performances.
The Festival d'Avignon is known for its commitment to supporting new work and has played a key role in the careers of many important directors, performers, and companies. It attracts a large number of visitors every year, from France and beyond, who come to enjoy the unique atmosphere and high-quality performances.
As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, the festival continues to be a major event in the global performing arts calendar. However, for the latest information about the festival, including recent performances and future dates, I would recommend checking the Festival d'Avignon's official website or contacting their information services.