Milo Rau on Thiel Cancellation: 'Democratically Relevant'

Milo Rau, the artistic director of the Wiener Festwochen, expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of a planned debate with controversial tech billionaire Peter Thiel. Rau considers the discussion to be "democratically relevant" and regrets that the opportunity to engage with Thiel, a significant figure on the American right, was lost.

The planned event had generated considerable attention, dominating headlines for the festival. The central question was whether Thiel would indeed appear in Vienna or if mounting opposition would force a cancellation. Ultimately, the latter occurred, much to Rau's dismay. He emphasized that the festival had meticulously prepared for the debate, believing they could provide the essential context needed for such a discussion.

Rau, identifying himself as being on the left, explained his rationale for wanting to debate figures like Thiel. He argued that engaging with opposing viewpoints, even controversial ones, is crucial. The festival intended to facilitate a robust exchange, and Rau felt they were well-equipped to manage the complexities and provide a platform for a meaningful, albeit potentially challenging, conversation. The cancellation, in his view, represents a missed opportunity for democratic discourse.