Theatre Director Sued by French Critic Over Stage Insults in Spain

A Spanish theatre-maker is facing a defamation lawsuit initiated by a French theatre critic after she read aloud one of his reviews on stage during the Avignon performing arts festival. Angélica Liddell, a director and performer, named several negative reviewers in her play 'Demon: Bergman's Funeral,' with many of them in attendance at her show.

In an act that has sparked debate about artistic freedom amidst politically polarized times, Liddell recited the critic reviews during a scene near the start of her play. She asked those named to confront their own shortcomenas. "I dislike and detest you," 67-year-old Liddell stated at one point in front of an audience of over a thousand people.

In her performance, she directed some particular vitriol towards Stéphane Capron from France Inter radio station, calling him 'bastard' using the French slang term for it. Following this incident, Capron filed a complaint against Liddell for defamation and requested exclusion of his name in future festival performances. The Syndicat de la Critique union expressed support for freedom of expression but emphasized that critics should not publicly insult each other.

The Avignon festival declared its stance on defense of artistic expression, asserting it does not interfere with the integrity of presented works. They stated that comments made during a performance were part of Liddell's artistic project and didn't represent the festival itself. According to reports, Liddell was unaware her commentary had been added beforehand due to its inclusion only in the dress rehearsal.

Liddell is known for passionate monologues addressing social issues, often delivered by herself. She maintains that she chooses to be an unruly artist, believing it's essential to reclaim the stage from those who lack responsibility and understanding of what should be considered appropriate. Critics have praised her performances despite their perceived self-indulgence.

This episode echoes a similar incident in Germany last year when a director defamed a critic by defacing his face with dog excrement after receiving negative reviews for one of her productions. However, Liddell insists that her critique is part of her performance art and references Ingmar Bergman's well-known disputes with critics in the past.

Liddell has not received any legal summons or injunction but remains dismissive of those who have criticized her act as lacking humor, arguing it was a satirical commentary on using Spanish at an international festival.