The Seagull
A production from Resuscitation Theatre, a group touting themselves as the first professional grassroots dramatic company in the city. The play is a take on Chekhov’s late 19th century classic, which poses questions about art and love. The opening night of the original productions was a failure – let’s hope the capital’s thesps receive a warmer response.
7pm, April 27, 29, 30. One to One Hotel
Abu Dhabi Art Squad
Following a hugely successful show at the National Theatre earlier this year, the city’s biggest and busiest group of expat artists return to show off their latest wares. The 10-strong troupe has members from as far afield as New Zealand and America, so expect to glean an eclectic range of insights from their paintings, sculptures and mixed media works.
April 28-May 2. Café Arabia (02 643 9699)
Sharmila Dance Extravaganza
Having entertained Dubai-based modern dance fans for the past decade, this eclectic evening of hip hop, jazz and street styles finally makes its debut in the capital. The event is organised and choreographed by Sharmila Kamte, a Middle Eastern dance professional who’s masterminded spectacles around the world over the past 20 years.
Dhs125 (adults) Dhs100 (under-18s). Wednesday, April 20. Tickets available from Spinneys and Le Royal Méridien, www.sharmiladance.com
Splendours of Mesopotamia
The wait is finally over for Abu Dhabi’s history buffs. This new exhibition boasts scores of priceless ancient artefacts discovered in the area covering modern day Iraq and Syria, including decadent golden jewellery, intricately carved statues and massive stone reliefs. Such heavyweight shows are a rarity in the city, so get stuck in while you can.
Free. Until June 27. Manarat Al Saadiyat
Experiments & Objects: 1979-2011
Very few Emirati artists can boast bodies of work as extensive as Hassan Sharif’s. For the past 30 years, the enigmatic and mildly eccentric creative has been experimenting with all manner of domestic items, typically crafting them into distorted, amorphous bundles. This, his first Abu Dhabi solo show, is a collection of the most intriguing. Sure, it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but those with an open mind ought to agree that it’s the most fascinating exhibition the capital has enjoyed in ages.
Free. Until June 17. Qasr Al Hosn, Al Nasr Street
