Building connections of humanity
New season of The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi kicks off this weekend
Over 100 music, theatre, dance, poetry, film, and multimedia performances — by established and emerging artists from around the world — are part of the eclectic programme for the fifth season of The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), which runs from September to May 2020.
The line-up also includes over 90 Off the Stage events such as workshops, masterclasses, talks, discussions and residencies designed to facilitate engagement between the artists and the local community. The theme for this season is Connection. It is inspired by the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, and reflects The Arts Centre’s aim to bring people together through shared artistic experiences, while celebrating unique traditions as well as our common humanity. The theme is manifested in the programme through multicultural performances, exploration of important contemporary issues such as migration, as well as a focus on artists whose work builds bridges between different art forms, disciplines and cultural traditions.
As a prelude to the season, Dubai-based Sima Dance Company will present the world premiere of Ansaf, on August 23 and August 24 at The Black Box. This commissioned contemporary dance performance, choreographed by Alaa Krimed, is inspired by the writings of Canadian philosopher Alan Deneault. It explores the relationship of consumerism and populism with critical thinking and the role of excellence in serving the public.
The new season officially opens with the Middle East debut of Ethiopian Dreams, a thrilling show by Circus Abyssinia on September 5 and September 6 in The Red Theatre. From September 12 to September 21, Scottish theatre company Vox Motus will present a show titled Flight. The show is an adaptation of the novel Hinterland by journalist Caroline Brothers and tells the story of two young orphaned Afghani brothers who embark on a desperate odyssey in pursuit of freedom and safety. Brothers will also present a talk at the NYUAD Institute.
We are happy to play a role in strengthening the UAE’s position as an engine of creation and an influential global cultural centre.” -Bill Bragin, executive artistic director of The Arts Centre at NYUAD