European Arts Festivals Unite for Modern Ibsen Adaptation
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Edinburgh International Festival, Holland Festival, and Festival D'Avignon will collaborate on a new play for their 2026 programs.
- The play, "A Trial – after An Enemy of the People," is a modern adaptation of Ibsen's work, directed by Christiane Jatahy and starring Wagner Moura.
- Moura, known for his role in "Narcos," is tipped for an Oscar nomination for "The Secret Agent."
- The collaboration reflects on modern political and environmental conflicts, echoing post-WWII efforts to rebuild European art.
- The festivals, all founded in 1947, aim to address contemporary issues like fascism and climate change through this joint production.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, three of Europe's most prestigious arts festivals—Edinburgh International Festival, Holland Festival, and Festival D'Avignon—are set to stage a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, "An Enemy of the People." The production, titled "A Trial – after An Enemy of the People," will debut in 2026, marking the first joint venture of these festivals since their inception in 1947.
A Modern Take on a Classic
Directed by acclaimed Brazilian director Christiane Jatahy, the play will feature award-winning actor Wagner Moura in the lead role. Moura, celebrated for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in Netflix's "Narcos," is also gaining Oscar buzz for his performance in "The Secret Agent." This new adaptation relocates the narrative to a contemporary courtroom setting, where audience members will participate as jurors, deciding the fate of the protagonist, Thomas Stockmann.
Reflecting on Contemporary Issues
The collaboration is not only a testament to the enduring power of Ibsen's work but also a reflection on current global issues. Jatahy, who has previously collaborated with all three festivals, emphasizes the play's relevance in addressing modern political and environmental conflicts. "Fascism is everywhere now," she remarked, drawing parallels between the authoritarianism experienced in Brazil under Jair Bolsonaro and the broader global rise of far-right movements.
A Historic Collaboration
The festivals, all established in the aftermath of World War II to foster European cultural renewal, see this joint production as a timely response to today's challenges. Roy Luxford, creative director of the Edinburgh International Festival, highlighted the significance of this partnership in a post-COVID and post-Brexit context, noting the logistical and financial benefits of shared production costs and aligned schedules.
A Broader Festival Lineup
Alongside "A Trial," the Edinburgh International Festival will feature performances by the Berliner Philharmoniker, the San Francisco Ballet, and the Zurich Opera House. These events underscore the festival's commitment to presenting world-class art and fostering international collaboration.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
This collaboration among the Edinburgh International Festival, Holland Festival, and Festival D'Avignon could set a precedent for future international arts partnerships, particularly in a post-pandemic world where logistical challenges and financial constraints are prevalent. By addressing contemporary issues through the lens of classic literature, the festivals may inspire similar initiatives that blend cultural heritage with modern relevance.
The play's focus on political and environmental themes could also spark broader discussions on these pressing issues, potentially influencing public discourse and policy. As the festivals continue their collaboration over the next three years, they may explore additional projects that further bridge cultural and political divides, reinforcing the role of the arts as a catalyst for social change.
Images from the Web
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European Arts Festivals Unite for Modern Ibsen Adaptation
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Edinburgh International Festival, Holland Festival, and Festival D'Avignon will collaborate on a new play for their 2026 programs.
- The play, "A Trial – after An Enemy of the People," is a modern adaptation of Ibsen's work, directed by Christiane Jatahy and starring Wagner Moura.
- Moura, known for his role in "Narcos," is tipped for an Oscar nomination for "The Secret Agent."
- The collaboration reflects on modern political and environmental conflicts, echoing post-WWII efforts to rebuild European art.
- The festivals, all founded in 1947, aim to address contemporary issues like fascism and climate change through this joint production.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, three of Europe's most prestigious arts festivals—Edinburgh International Festival, Holland Festival, and Festival D'Avignon—are set to stage a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic play, "An Enemy of the People." The production, titled "A Trial – after An Enemy of the People," will debut in 2026, marking the first joint venture of these festivals since their inception in 1947.
A Modern Take on a Classic
Directed by acclaimed Brazilian director Christiane Jatahy, the play will feature award-winning actor Wagner Moura in the lead role. Moura, celebrated for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in Netflix's "Narcos," is also gaining Oscar buzz for his performance in "The Secret Agent." This new adaptation relocates the narrative to a contemporary courtroom setting, where audience members will participate as jurors, deciding the fate of the protagonist, Thomas Stockmann.
Reflecting on Contemporary Issues
The collaboration is not only a testament to the enduring power of Ibsen's work but also a reflection on current global issues. Jatahy, who has previously collaborated with all three festivals, emphasizes the play's relevance in addressing modern political and environmental conflicts. "Fascism is everywhere now," she remarked, drawing parallels between the authoritarianism experienced in Brazil under Jair Bolsonaro and the broader global rise of far-right movements.
A Historic Collaboration
The festivals, all established in the aftermath of World War II to foster European cultural renewal, see this joint production as a timely response to today's challenges. Roy Luxford, creative director of the Edinburgh International Festival, highlighted the significance of this partnership in a post-COVID and post-Brexit context, noting the logistical and financial benefits of shared production costs and aligned schedules.
A Broader Festival Lineup
Alongside "A Trial," the Edinburgh International Festival will feature performances by the Berliner Philharmoniker, the San Francisco Ballet, and the Zurich Opera House. These events underscore the festival's commitment to presenting world-class art and fostering international collaboration.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
This collaboration among the Edinburgh International Festival, Holland Festival, and Festival D'Avignon could set a precedent for future international arts partnerships, particularly in a post-pandemic world where logistical challenges and financial constraints are prevalent. By addressing contemporary issues through the lens of classic literature, the festivals may inspire similar initiatives that blend cultural heritage with modern relevance.
The play's focus on political and environmental themes could also spark broader discussions on these pressing issues, potentially influencing public discourse and policy. As the festivals continue their collaboration over the next three years, they may explore additional projects that further bridge cultural and political divides, reinforcing the role of the arts as a catalyst for social change.
Images from the Web
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