With its declared mission being to widen participation, this summer's 68th Avignon Festival in the South of France boasted 37 productions from 17 countries, with 25 of the works by newcomers and half by artists under 35. As well, the work chosen to open the beautiful medieval city's three-week annual arts extravaganza was "Mahabarata — Nalacharitam," a tale of love and intrigue drawn from an ancient Indian epic that its creator and director Satoshi Miyagi set amid the splendor of Japan's 10th-century Heian Period.

However, Japan's footprint extended far beyond that headliner, as the festival's new director, the French playwright and stage director Olivier Py, is well-known to audiences here for his many productions at Shizuoka Performing Arts Center — where Miyagi is artistic director.

Stating in his program note that "the festival's values are those of universalism. The fate of France is universalism and it manifests itself through culture," Py put such lofty ideals into practice by reducing ticket prices and launching La Fabrica, a venue where new work can be seen year-round. As well, he actively fostered a big boost in participation by young and first-time companies.