Front Row Highs, lows and Jet-Skis at the Venice Biennale
May 11, 2026
Alexandra Wood, a playwright who adapted Hilary Mantel’s short story for the stage, talks about expanding the story, staging choices and why she set it now. Aviva Dautch, an arts journalist reporting from the Venice Biennale, describes provocative installations, political responses across pavilions and standout works like Lubaina Himid’s British Pavilion.
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Wastewater Performance Provoked Queues And Debate
- Florentina Holzinger's installation used recycled human wastewater in vats under performers, provoking sensory reactions from visitors.
- Aviva Dautch recounts queues debating participation and being splashed and smelling the piece, making it a visceral experience.
Fringe Exhibitions Offer Political Undercurrents
- Collateral events (the Biennale 'Fringe') offer alternative voices and experimental projects beyond national pavilions.
- Aviva Dautch describes Yiddishland as a non-national pavilion featuring Ukrainian, Palestinian and diasporic works across the ghetto.
Vatican Pavilion Mixed Hildegard With Contemporary Sound
- The Vatican's Carmelite Brotherhood pavilion paired medieval devotion with contemporary artists like Patti Smith and Brian Eno, creating a contemplative audio experience.
- Aviva Dautch recalls wearing headphones responding to Hildegard of Bingen with soundtracks by leading musicians.
