Sharjah Art Foundation Comes Alive
Check out the deluge of song, dance and other unique performances as they unfold with much fanfare this January and February, courtesy the Sharjah Art Foundation
Libya by RadouanMriziga
26 January 2024, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Arts Square
8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
In Libya, Radouan Mriziga collaborates with dancers to elaborate on transgenerational shared histories and epistemologies from an Amazigh perspective, in which the memories of the body play a pivotal role. North African music, dance, landscapes and cave paintings depicting prehistoric dance moves are among the interconnected elements that inform a complex choreographic adventure. Layers of meaning are uncovered, drawing the features of an imagined, shared future from an Amazigh point of view.
The Return by Rayyane Tabet
27and 28 January 2024, The Flying Saucer
8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The Returntraces the 50-year journey of amarble sculpture depicting a bull’s head, drawing on interviews as well as inventory lists, photographs, legal documents and other evidence presented to the New York Supreme Court from investigations that lasted for years. Eventually restituted to Lebanon, the sculpture is now on display at the National Museum in Beirut.
Singing Youth by JuditBöröcz, BenceGyörgyPálinkás and Máté Szigeti
2 February 2024, Sharjah Institute of Theatrical Arts (SITA)
Representing three youths,Singing Youthis a larger-than-life memorial statue by Greek sculptor Memos Makris, a political refugee in Hungary. In 1953, the statue was installed in front of a sports stadium in Budapest, where it still stands today, having survived the collapse of communism and later the demolition of the stadium and the building of a new one in its place.
In this acapella performance, also titled Singing Youth, a theatre professional, visual artist and composer team up to bring the sculpture to life.Composed of excerpts from newspaper articles, interviews and statements made by politicians over the years, the lyrics present the sculpture as a witness to political upheaval, current affairs and the use of arts and sports for political ends.
Perhaps Here by various artists
9–11 February 2024, Bait Al Serkal, Arts Square
Borrowing its title from Khulood Al Mualla’sfourth book of poetry,Rubbama Huna,Perhaps Here explores the orbits of contemporary imagination through a variety of live performances. Artists from diverse disciplines share their works with the public, inviting audiences to experience something that could either be intellectual, emotional or aesthetical in nature.
Over three days, 16 theatre makers,installation and video artists as well as poets and writers perform their works simultaneously on repeat throughout the evening in a marathon of artistic productions. Audience members can select between four and six short shows [10 to 20 minutes each] to attend per night.
Hunkaroby MohitTakalkar (Co-presented withIshara Art Foundation)
17 and 18February 2024, Calligraphy Square
Hunkaro–meaning ‘verbal affirmation’ in Marathi–invites the audience to practise the precious gift of attention through active, participatory listening.
The performance interweaves three stories of human trials and tribulations, tied together by the vital importance of hope and the impossibility of life without it. Using traditional singing and vocal techniques, the stories are narrated in different styles, languages and dialects by six professional actors.
In the absence of musical instruments, the performers emphasise the aesthetic value of language and the importance of the spoken word.Hunkaro won seven awards across 13 categories at the prestigious Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) in Delhi in 2023.
Workshops and Talks
In conjunction with the performances, Perform Sharjah will offer a wide range of learning opportunities in theatre and performance through workshops and talks led by participatingartists with local partners and cultural practitioners.
Ticketing Information
Admission is free; however,prior booking is required.
Tickets can be booked at the box office, performance venues or online at sharjahart.org.
The box office is located at the Information Centre, Al Mureijah Square.
Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 am–9:00 pm
Friday, 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
