The Arts Center at NYU abu Dhabi is always bringing amazing international acts and events to the capital.
But when we saw the line-up for the centre’s fifth season, running from now until June 2020, we got very excited indeed.
Inspired by the theme of ‘connection’, the programme features over 100 live performances, including three world premieres and 14 UAE premieres, as well as 90 off-stage audience engagement and educational events.
With everything from actorless theatre shows, dance recitals and Egyptian jazz, it features a real mix of performances, events and workshops.
Starting in September, theatre company Vox Motus will perform the Middle East debut of Flight, a heart-breaking story of two young orphaned Afghani brothers in search of safety and freedom. The piece is performed using only models and no actors, and for audiences of only 25 people at a time, it really is something very special.
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Then Sufism vs Modernism will bring the sounds and rhythms of traditional Sufi chanting and contemporary Egyptian jazz together, before classic dance performances How To Pass, Kick, Fall and Run and BIPED will be performed in The Red Theater.
Meanwhile, returning favourites include Hekayah, The Story, which will be held in commemoration of the UAE National Day.
Hosted by Emirati poet Salem Al Attas, this celebration of heritage includes artists from the many diverse communities of the UAE, all sharing original poetry, prose, and songs.
The contemporary Arabic cinema series CinemaNA is also back, along with the monthly open-mic event Rooftop Rhythms.
Moving on to 2020, the first event of the year is the world premiere of Al Raheel, Departure, a contemporary theatre work created by emerging Emirati writer Reem Almenhali and American director and NYUAD Professor Joanna Settle.
This is followed by the fourth edition of the Barzakh Festival, which will feature six live performances plus DJ sets on three stages all in the same night.
Then it’s time for composer and sound artist Sxip Shirey to turn the spotlight on artists from the UAE with her Sxip’s Hour of Charm show, featuring a line-up of UAE-based artists.
She will also be putting on choral and movement piece, The Gauntlet, with choreographer Coco Karol.
Running alongside these main events, The Arts Center is partnering with the Special Olympics UAE and local schools to launch a series of sensory-friendly performances.
Plus, as well as the live performances, the off-stage line-up includes workshops, masterclasses, talks, and Q&As. There’s loads to choose from, with workshops in circus skills and Ethiopian music, Arabic music and composition and Merce Cunningham dance techniques being just some of the highlights.
If you’re thinking that you want to see all of the above and more, then you can always look into buying a membership package.
This gets you passes to each production, plus exclusive early ticket bookings, behind-the-scenes access and the chance to attend workshops, talks, and exclusive events.
Packages start at Dhs750 and individual tickets are available too.
It’s going to be one brilliant season.
Prices vary. Until Jun 2020. The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, www.nyuad-artscenter.org.
WHAT IS IT…
A programme of theatre, dance, poetry and more at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
WHY GO…
To appreciate this amazing facility and all the culture we have on our doorstep
