From March 5 to 9, 2025, and again from March 11 to 15, the Venice Biennale will present Expositio Sancti Evangelii secundum Iohannem (Commentary on the Gospel of John), a special project by the Historical Archives, bringing to life the profound teachings of Meister Eckhart, the Dominican theologian and mystic. This immersive, multi-sensory performance will take place in the Portego delle Colonne of the Scuola Grande di San Marco, an iconic space within the Ospedale Civile SS. Giovanni e Paolo (the Venetian largest hospital), adding to the work’s spiritual resonance.
The project unfolds the commentary on the Gospel of John, a key text in Eckhart’s mystical philosophy, which delves into deep theological and spiritual concepts. Directed by Antonello Pocetti, the performance will feature a powerful cast, including actors Federica Fracassi, Leda Kreider, and Dario Aita, alongside the Choir of the Cappella Marciana, conducted by Maestro Marco Gemmani. The production’s visual and auditory elements, designed by Antonino Viola and Andrew Quinn, will immerse audiences in an evocative blend of theater, music, and video.
Eckhart’s theological ideas, particularly his reflections on the nature of God and the soul’s union with the divine, had a lasting influence on Western mysticism. His work, long overlooked, is now receiving renewed attention. Expositio Sancti Evangelii secundum Iohannem offers a rare opportunity to experience this intellectual and spiritual legacy in a format that bridges the ancient and the contemporary, reflecting the timeless relevance of Eckhart’s thought in today’s world.
Website: www.labiennale.org
Location: Scuola Grande di San Marco, Venice
Schedule: March 5 – 15, 2025
