When it comes to bringing together an eclectic mix of performers, no one does it better than The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Diversity has always been on the agenda and its vision remains steadfast: to connect people from diverse cultures and backgrounds through shared artistic experiences.
This year will carry on with that tradition as The Arts Center returns for its fifth season, running from this month until June 2020.
The line-up for performers (as expected) is extensive to cater to wide array of audiences of all ages.
" target="_blank">Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia from 5th to 6th September is the opening act for the new season. The daring performance is for the entire family, capturing the celebratory spirit of the occasion and serving as prelude for the Ethiopian New Year.
The next performance, which resonates with the season’s theme and the Year of Tolerance, is Flight by Scotland’s inventive theater company Vox Motus from 12th to 21st September.
Based on Hinterland by Caroline Brothers and adapted by Oliver Emanuel. This actorless theatre piece tackles the heart-warming story of two young Afghani refugees on a journey to find asylum in Europe.
Arab sounds from the African continent will be the focus of Sufism vs Modernism featuring Fathy Salama and Sheikh Mahmoud Tohamy, and Zanzibari Taarab and Kidumbak Ensemble – Dhow Countries Music Academy.
The back-to-back concert on 26th September embodies the initiative by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development to support contemporary Islamic arts.
The Arts Center joins the worldwide centennial celebration of Merce Cunningham, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, with the Middle East debuts of BIPED on 30th October, a pioneering multi-media dance piece performed by CNDC d’Angers, featuring live music performed by composer Gavin Bryars and his ensemble and How to Pass, Kick, Fall & Run, with music by Cunningham’s longtime collaborator John Cage.
Returning events this year includes the poetry performance Hekayah / The Story on 26th November, which for the first time will be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development to mark UAE National Day.
Also making a comeback is CinemaNA contemporary Arabic cinema series, a collaboration with NYUAD’s Film and New Media programme and Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi on selected Monday nights.
Other events worth looking out for include the eighth season of the monthly Friday night open mic Rooftop Rhythms and Al Raheel / Departure, a contemporary theatre work created by emerging Emirati writer Reem Almenhali and award-winning American director and NYUAD professor Joanna Settle.
The fourth edition of Barzakh Festival will present six live performances plus DJ sets on three stages all in the same night, while composer and sound artist Sxip Shirey is scheduled for two creative performances highlighting UAE-based artists.
The Arts Center will partner with the Special Olympics UAE and local schools throughout Abu Dhabi to launch a series of sensory friendly performances during the 2019-2020 season.
These events tailor performances to support the needs of young people on the autism spectrum, and with intellectual disabilities, and other social and sensory sensitivities, and create more relaxed environments for them to experience the work.
For more information and ticket details, visit: nyuad-artscenter.org
One Comment