The Louvre Abu Dhabi has just announced its first full season programme, with performances and talks that will run from February until May. The agenda includes dances of the Indonesian royal courts and a Korean puppet show that's perfect for families.
The multi-cultural offerings reaffirm the UAE museum's aim to bring different cultures together and "shine fresh light on shared stories of humanity".
Ticket pricing details for the paid performances will be on the Louvre Abu Dhabi website closer to each show. For the talks, entry is part of your general admission ticket to the museum (Dh63 for those over 22), however it is essential to RSVP by email for these (RSVP@louvreabudhabi.ae).
Here are the full details of the Louvre Abu Dhabi season lineup...
Court dances of the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta
When: Friday February 2 and Saturday February 3 (5pm)
Where: Auditorium Plaza
The Indonesian dancers of the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta (pictured above) will perform a slow-paced and elegant dance at the Louvre Abu Dhabi (the dance-form has its roots in Indian, Islamic and Indonesian culture and dates back to the 7th century). The royal family of Yogyakarta are pivotal in preserving these art forms, and tradition has it that a member of the royal family must be present during any performance. The accompanying music will be gamelan, which is native to Java.
Humanity in the Poetry of the Late Sheikh Zayed
When: Wednesday, February 21 (7pm to 8pm)
Where: Auditorium
"Our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed was committed to nurturing arts and culture as an important element of the UAE's national vision," explains Hissa Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. "For 2018, the Year of Zayed, Louvre Abu Dhabi honours his legacy and our programming draws inspiration from his deeply-held belief in tolerance, diversity and cultural exchange.”
A Tree and a Boy (puppet show)
When: Thursday March 15 (10am) and Friday March 16 and Saturday March 17 (5pm)
Where: Auditorium
This show will be presented by Korean theatre company Thebefu and will tell the stories of both a tree and a boy as they go through the natural phases of life.
Bach Solo by Shantala Shivalingappa and Sonia Wider-Atherton
When: Friday, March 30 (8pm) and Saturday, March 31 (5pm)
Where: Auditorium Plaza
This will be a dual performance by both cellist Sonia Wider-Atherton and dancer Shantala Shivalingappa. Shivalingappa was born in India and raised in Paris, and she's known for combining elements of South Indian dance with western techniques.
Swayambhu by Shantala Shivalingappa
When: Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6 (8pm)
Where: Auditorium Plaza
Shivalingappa will perform twice in this season - Swayambhu will be a recital of five different stories, all dedicated to Hindu mythology.
Pioneering Modernism: Ibrahim El-Salahi In conversation
When: Wednesday April 18 (8pm)
Where: Auditorium Plaza
This talk with Sudanese artist El-Salahi is an opportunity to hear from one of the most important figures in Arab and African modernism, whose body of work spans five decades.
Via Sophiatown
When: Thursday, April 19 and Friday April 20 (8pm) and Saturday April 21 (5pm)
Where: Auditorium Plaza
Expect infectious energy throughout the plaza as South African band Via Sophiatown combines step-dancing and hip hop moves while accompanied by three live jazz musicians.
Love and Revenge
When: Wednesday May 2 and Thursday May 3 (both 8pm)
Where: Auditorium Plaza
This performance by Lebanese hip-hop enthusiast Rayess Bek and visual artist La Mirza will see Arab popular songs accompanied by extracts from Cairo's golden age of cinema.
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Museum opening hours are Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 8pm, and Thursday and Friday 10am to 10pm. The museum is located on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island.
Tickets cost Dhs63 for general admission, or Dhs31.50 for those aged 13 to 22, as well as education professionals. Entry is free for those under 13, ICOM or ICOMOS members and visitors with special needs as well as their companion. Go to louvreabudhabi.ae for more information.
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