8legs: Wiener festwochen

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Milo Rau turned tribunals into theatre. Now his own moral judgement is on trial

Rau invited then disinvited Peter Thiel at the Wiener Festwochen, triggering a row over whose influence shapes the festival.
Rau’s tribunals have become his hallmark, turning real hearings and witnesses into theatre to debate power and justice.
The piece notes past tribunals like the Pussy Riot Moscow Trials and Congo Tribunal shaped Rau’s reputation and drew international attention.
Critics caution that Rau’s format may blur fiction and reality, especially on sensitive topics like restitution and violence.
Rau defended his approach, stressing his jury-based method and the festival’s aim to foster debate beyond traditional theatre.
The Pelicot Trial is highlighted as Rau’s ongoing project, touring internationally and paying tribute to an advocate against sexual violence.
Rau’s critics vary, with some praising his political theatre and others arguing the format could overstep ethical bounds.
Vienna’s cultural politics are described as dominated by the Social Democrats, influencing how the Thiel invitation was received.
Rau plans to continue with opera and other programming after Festwochen, signaling ongoing artistic ambition beyond tribunals.
Rau emphasizes confronting German guilt after the Holocaust as part of his broader artistic aim.
The article frames Rau as a controversial but influential figure in European political theatre today.

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