Arts on the Air | 26.11.2008 | 23:30
Golden Lion for theatre director Roger Assaf
The Venice Biennale has for over a century been one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. Perhaps best known for its art and cinema sections, it also dedicates events to other areas, including architecture, music, dance and theatre.
The biennale’s International Theatre Workshop, which has been running throughout the last month, comes to a close this weekend. This year’s theme is the Mediterranean, with seminars and performances dedicated to developing ideas which will be staged at the International Theatre Festival next year.
A fundamental element of the biennale is the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, which has been awarded to the Lebanese director, actor and playwright, Roger Assaf. The internationally renowned and respected director was chosen for his dedication to using the stage to deal with the social issues of his country and for transforming the theatre into a cultural bridge and a vehicle for cautionary memory.
Dany Mitzman was in Venice to see Roger Assaf receive his award and talk to him about his very personal relationship with theatre and Lebanon.
