Milo Rau turned tribunals into theatre. Now his own moral judgement is on trial
Swiss director Milo Rau is facing criticism for his decision to invite Peter Thiel to the Wiener Festwochen, a move that contradicts his own history of staging political tribunals. The controversy highlights the challenges of Rau's 'theatre as a tribunal' method in a polarized political climate.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about the intersection of art, political activism, and the ethics of platforming controversial figures.
Swiss director Milo Rau in Vienna, Austria, May 2024. Photograph: Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Swiss director Milo Rau in Vienna, Austria, May 2024. Photograph: Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images Theatre Milo Rau turned tribunals into theatre. Now his own moral judgment is on trial The Swiss director has staged court cases against Pussy Riot, mining companies in Congo and Gisèle Pelicot’s abusers. But after his invitation to Palantir founder Peter Thiel caused a row in Vienna, is Rau’s method eating itself?
The article explores the controversy from a cultural critique perspective, acknowledging both sides of the debate.
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