La Biennale Teatro 2026

From June 7 to 21, 2026, Venice temporarily sheds its classic attire to transform into the global stage for contemporary theatrical research. If you have planned your stay during these dates, booking at our hotel will grant you the unique privilege of immersing yourself in the 54th International Theatre Festival, an edition that promises to be extraordinary.

Guiding the festival this year is an exceptional director: the legendary American actor and director Willem Dafoe. Before becoming the cinematic icon we all know, Dafoe experienced a profound avant-garde theatrical journey in New York, culminating in the co-founding of the legendary The Wooster Group. His personal artistic vision now shapes a festival significantly titled ALTERNATIVE: a journey that will bring over 200 artists and 55 events to the lagoon, all designed to showcase new ways of seeing and thinking about the world.

The festival will allow you to travel across continents while remaining in the heart of Venice, just steps from your room. The lineup features expressive, multimedia performances, avant-garde theater from the Far East, and a fascinating fusion of traditional dance and Indonesian martial arts. The programming also includes the spirituality of classical Indian dance, innovative directing from New Zealand, vibrant African sounds, and a profound civil theater giving voice to Rwandan history. Finally, for the Italian scene, you can witness a touching theatrical work based on the memories and stories of the elderly.

This edition celebrates two heavyweights of international theater. The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement goes to Emma Dante, Italy's most celebrated theater and opera director, who will present the world premiere of I fantasmi di Basile. The Silver Lion honors the emerging talent of Mario Banushi, a leading figure in new Greek theater, who will be present with his acclaimed trilogy Romance familiare.

During your days exploring the city, we highly recommend a stop at the splendid Sala delle Colonne in Ca’ Giustinian. For the entire duration of the festival, this space will host an unmissable tribute to Bob Wilson, created using archival materials from the ASAC. We look forward to welcoming you to Hotel Ala to experience this incredible season of culture together!