Since it was founded in 1981 Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation has been a beacon of arts, culture and heritage.
It can be found within Al Hosn, the capital’s original urban block in the heart of the city and recently reopened after renovation, and transformed its library to become the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library.
There’s a new programme of exhibitions, workshops and events and a 900-seat theatre, which will be home to world-class contemporary, popular and home-grown performing arts across music, dance and theatre.
In October there are seven different performances taking place, from alternative Arabic music to classical and from Emirati theatre to contemporary dance.
There’s something for everyone throughout the month, so read on for more information.
The Astounding Eyes of Rita by Anouar Brahem Quartet
The Quartet will perform a new composition by the Tunisian oud master, Anouar Brahem.
From Dhs75. Oct 3, 8pm.
Wust El Balad
A pioneering band in the Egyptian and Arab underground music scenes, known for fusing Middle Eastern sounds with western tunes.
From Dhs75. Oct 5, 8pm.
Al Sa’a Al Rabi’a (Four O’Clock) by Sharjah Public Art & Modern Theatre
Based on Toc Toc, a play by French playwright Laurent Baffie, the Emirati play centres on the lives of several characters struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder. The play is part of the Cultural Foundation’s Emirati Theatre programme, which will show an Emirati theatrical production on the second Tuesday of every month.
Dhs30. Oct 8, 8pm.
Cultural Foundation Classics: A Family Story by Tchalik Quartet
The internationally acclaimed Tchalik Quartet consists of four members of the same uniquely talented French-Russian family who have been performing together from an early age.
From Dhs50. Oct 17, 8pm.
Guerre (The War of the Line and of Colour) by Cie Samuel Mathieu (Gulf Premiere)
Dancer Samuel Mathieu has spent recent years choreographing his own works, imbued with energy, bodies expressing drama through dance, and often done with great agility, so it’s no surprise to see an interest in the circus and its highly trained, virtuoso performers.
From Dhs75. Oct 19, 8pm.
Cultural Foundation Classics: Anarouz (Hope) by 3MA: Ballaké Sissoko, Driss El Maloumi and Rajery
One of the most prestigious ensembles in North African classical music, 3MA: Ballaké Sissoko, Driss El Maloumi and Rajery, will bring a unique blend of African and Arab music to Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs50. Oct 29, 8pm.
Cultural Foundation Classics: Raphaëlle, Jérémie and Edgar Moreau
Featuring the gifted Moreau family, siblings, Edgar (cello), Raphaëlle (violin) and Jérémie (piano), perform Tchaikovsky’s one-of-a-kind Piano Trio, followed with a piano trio by Brahms.
From Dhs50. Oct 31, 8pm.
Keep your eyes peeled for more great events in November, with Arabic dabke band 47Soul, Muller & Makaroff (Gotan Project) and the play Talaya Al-Layl by the Ras Al Khaimah National Theatre.
For more information and tickets, visit culturalfoundation.ae and follow @abudhabicf on social media platforms.
