Film about 60th anniversary of the Festival d’Avignon

Since its foundation in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Avignon festival has grown into one of the most significant theatre festivals in France and one of the most famous in the world. Every July, the modernity and radicality of its performances ensure provocation, enthusiasm and critique. Embedded in the bright light of Provence and the city which, with the Papal Palace and the famous bridge, represents a unique memorial to cultural history, the festival has developed from purely classical theatre to new forms in conjunction with dance and fine art.

The excellent documentary film shows the history and atmosphere of the festival on the occasion of its 60th anniversary in 2006, with numerous interviews and archive recordings (e.g. with Gérard Philipe, Maria Casarès, by Maurice Béjart, Pina Bausch, Ariane Mnouchkine and Robert Wilson) through to pieces from the 2005 festival (e.g. by Josef Nadj, Thomas Ostermeier, Oliver Puy and Jan Fabre).

Bernard Faivre d’Arcier, director of the Avignon festival in 1980-84 and 1993-2003, will report on his very interesting experience. Not least, both of our festivals have a connection in their support for certain artists, such as Alain Platel, Krzysztof Warlikowski, Angelin Preljocaj and Romeo Castellucci.