Avignon Festival Opens with Calls to Block Far Right and Support Culture
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Loading... - Mikhail Petrov
- 01 Jul 2024
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The annual Avignon Theatre Festival has kicked off with strong messages from its organizers urging voters to block the far-right National Rally in the upcoming French legislative elections, which begin on Sunday. Festival artistic director Tiago Rodrigues emphasized the importance of "defending democracy" during a press conference, calling for a united front against extreme-right political groups. The elections, held on June 30 and July 7, coincide with the festival's schedule.
As a Portuguese citizen, Rodrigues cannot vote in the French elections, but he feels it is his responsibility to encourage participation. He highlighted that the festival embodies "democratic, popular, republican, environmentalist, feminist, and anti-racist" values. The cultural sector has been actively organizing rallies and petitions to oppose the rise of the far right, reflecting widespread concern after President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament following the National Rally's success in the EU elections.
Rodrigues, whose journalist father fled Portugal in the 1960s to escape fascist persecution, warned of the potential consequences of a far-right rise. He stressed the significance of France as a cultural beacon and the threat to financial support for the cultural sector, which employs many people from France and across Europe. Rodrigues argued that the festival is more necessary than ever, especially given the polarized political climate.
Françoise Nyssen, president of the festival's board of directors, echoed these sentiments, calling culture "one of our greatest assets" and vital for addressing the world's complexity and diversity. Various cultural unions have organized demonstrations to protest the potential dismantling of publicly funded cultural services under a far-right government.
The Avignon festival, now in its 78th year, will proceed as usual, spotlighting Spanish-language shows. Twelve performances are planned, featuring artists from countries including Spain, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. Notable participants include Madrid-based director and actress Angélica Liddell, presenting "Damon: Bergman's Funeral," inspired by Ingmar Bergman's screenplay for his funeral. This year's festival aims to maintain its tradition of fostering diverse expressions and debates amidst the current political challenges.
