Dramatic interludes
Tuwi Bakheeta, an Emirati play, is being staged tomorrow in the courtyard of the Qasr Al Muwaiji fort in Al Ain. Adapted from Emirati novelist Mariam Al Ghafly’s novel of the same name, this production by the Sharjah National Theatre group, explores the relationship between desert and Bedouin and how to preserve heritage and knowledge through memories without living in the past. Free entry; the event takes place from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Greek classics take a passionate and colourful twirl at NYUAD’s Noche Flamenca’s Antigona. Sophocles’ classic play Antigone exploring the battle between a disenfranchised woman and a patriarchal state is reinterpreted through flamenco music and dance by Soledad Barrio. Free entry; April 6-7. Show starts at 8pm.
At Ductac’s Centrepoint theatre, the classic fairytale of truth vs lies takes to the stage in the form of Pinocchio from April 5-8. This musical adaptation by h2 productions combines lessons in morality and entertainment through creative scenery, costumes and choreography that tells the story of the puppet who wants to be a real boy. Tickets from Dh140 at ductac.etixdubai.com
A family of homicidal maniacs and their comic capers forms the plot of Arsenic and Old Lace, a 1939 play by Joseph Kesselring that is playing at The Junction today and tomorrow. The farcical black comedy that was adapted into a film starring Cary Grant revolves around drama critic Mortimer Brewster who is caught between his crazy family, local police in Brooklyn, NY, and the woman he loves. Shows at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets from Dh100 at thejunctiondubai.com
FESTIVAL SEASON
Abu Dhabi is a festive mood this weekend and next with three unique festivals taking over the capital.
Al Muneera Plaza gets into luau mode with Aloha Abu Dhabi festival. On until April 1, the beachside lifestyle festival will showcase musicians, street performers, a culinary bazaar and 60 fashion pop-ups featuring spring fashion and accessories from the UAE. Watch out for the light, sound, and fire show in the evenings. Visit alohaabudhabi.ae
Emirati food steals the show at the Flavours Festival at Umm Al Emarat Park until April 8. There are 150 food tents and street food trucks, an ultimate burger challenge, quiz competitions, live cooking demonstrations and shows. Visit flavorsfestival.ae
There’s more than K-Pop and Gangnam to South Korean popular culture as you’ll see at the Korean Film Festival in Yas Mall organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Korean Cultural Centre and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. From April 5-8 Vox Cinemas will screen eight Korean feature films that range from the zombie thriller Train to Busan to family drama The World of Us. All films will have English subtitles. Visit k-filmfest.com for listings and reservations.
In Dubai, street culture festival Urban Beats is exhibiting the best of extreme sports, urban music and street art at The Beach until April 1. Gravity-defying stunts by BXM riders such as James Jones, slacklining professionals like Mickey Wilson and skateboarders are highlights of the festival that also has graffiti art by local graffiti artist Lee Wicks. There’s also a breakdance contest at the venue hosted by Outbreak Europe. Hip hop DJ James De Valera will be playing street music with MC Scott Penman. Free entry; 4pm-8pm.
EDM BEATS AND KHALEEJI TUNES
Home-grown music and arts festival Groove on The Grass is back at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai today. This open-air EDM fest boasts a line-up including German DJs Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann and musical group Mind Against. Tickets from Dh210 at platinumlist.net. Entry for over 21s only; from 5pm-3am. Call 04 380 1234.
Who says electronic music is just for globetrotting millennials? Another outdoor music festival, Piknic Électronik, is making the most of the UAE’s fleeting spring season and opening up the electronic music genre to families. Along with a dose of EDM by DJs Charl Chakka, Pierre Ravan, El Mundo and Chloé, there will be family-friendly activities, food trucks and stalls. It’s at the Dubai International Marine Club. Tickets from Dh100 available at piknicelectronik.com/dubai.
Touted as Dubai’s biggest EDM festival, The Sound Collective is on at Barasti Beach Bar (top right) until tomorrow. Today, DJ and vocalist Amtrac will perform from 8pm. Tomorrow, Dutch producer R3HAB (aka Fadhil Al Ghoul) gets the party started from midnight. Free entry; visit barastibeach.com
Party the day away into night at Zero Gravity’s One Big Friday. The round-the-clock (well, half of it) party kicks off again today with non-stop music from Sigma, Gorgon City (top right) and DJ Sam Devine from 12pm-3am. Free entry before 7pm, Dh150 after. Call 04 399 0009. Tickets available on platinumlist.net
If your ears are yearning for the traditional strains of Khaleeji music, legendary Saudi singer Mohammad Abdo (left), fresh off his groundbreaking concert in Jeddah, performs at Dubai Opera on April 2. Tickets from Dh750 at dubaiopera.com
Stephen Devassy performs at Etisalat Academy today. The composer and keytar player (left) has toured with the likes of A.R. Rahman and Zakir Hussain, and will be joined by singers Naresh Iyer, Syam Prasad and Ramya Vinayakumar, percussionist Ghatam Giridhar Udupa and sitar player Purbayan Chatterjee. Tickets from Dh50 at platinumlist.net; show starts at 7pm.
SPRING SPECIALS
Out with the old and in with the new; The Big Clearance Sale at the Dubai World Trade Centre has discounts of over 80 per cent on global fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brands. Until April 1 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 2 and 3; free entry.
Shopping gets adventurous at BurJuman until April 15 as the mall is hosting the 60 Seconds to BurJuman adventure game. Games and challenges are located throughout the mall. There are seven, 60-second challenges and winners will take home prizes from Magic Planet, H&M, Liali Jewellery and other retail outlets. From 4pm-10pm. Visit burjuman.com
ART AND PARCEL OF LIFE
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation has opened its Moments in the Lives of Muslims in China exhibition, featuring photographs by Peter Sanders. The photo essay of 50 large-scale images, captured over a span of 20 years, shows Muslims in the world’s most populous country going about everyday life at work, at school, at rest, and at worship; Islam was introduced into the country almost 1,400 years ago. The exhibition also features pictures of Chinese mosques with striking architecture. Until June 11; visit sharjahmuseums.ae
Did our March 10 story on affordable art inspire you to pick up something for your walls? Here’s a good place to start: World Art Dubai’s third edition, which they have confirmed returns on April 12 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Over 35 international and regional galleries and 120 artists will showcase accessible and affordable works. 3,000 paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs, ranging in value from Dh367 to Dh73,458, will be on sale. The third edition will include new segments for galleries, solo artists and group shows. Dh20 for a daily pass (tickets can be bought onsite). From 6-9pm on April 12, and 2-9pm on April 13, 14 and 15. Visit worldartdubai.com
TECH TALK
Gadget geeks should make the most of GITEX Shopper Spring 2017 that’s on until April 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Scout for deals and bundle offers on the best of tech brands such as Asus, Apple, Canon, Nikon, Samsung, Sony and others. There are also daily draws with cars for winners to drive away in. Entry fee of Dh25 per person. From 11am – 11pm; visit gitexshopperdubai.com.
TELL US A JOKE
YouTuber and funny man Biswa Kalyan Rath’s solo show Biswa Kalyan Rath LIVE is on at Ductac on April 1. Known for Pretentious Movie Reviews – his ironic YouTube reviews of Bollywood films with fellow stand-up comedian Kanan Gill – Rath will discuss everything from life in India to current news with a sprinkling of dry humour and wit. Show starts at 8pm; tickets from Dh150 at ductac.org
SWIM AGAINST OBESITY
Don’t worry if you see a sea of swimmers crowding the beach opposite the Burj Al Arab today – it’s all part of the Dubai Holding Burj Al Arab Swim where up to 700 swimmers will participate in 1,600 and 800 metre race categories. All funds raised will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation’s obesity research. The race starts at 8am. Dh250 per person including certificate, goodie bag, medal, refreshments and entry to Wild Wadi Water Park. Visit burjalarabswim.ae
A MINUTE TO WIN IT
Shopping gets adventurous at BurJuman until April 15 as the mall is hosting the 60 Seconds to BurJuman adventure game. Games and challenges that test dexterity are located throughout the mall and you’ll only have 60 seconds to complete them. There are seven, 60 second challenges and winners will take home prizes from Magic Planet, H&M, Liali Jewellery and other retail outlets. From 4pm-10pm. Visit burjuman.com
PLANNING A WEDDING?
Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island is hosting its wedding fair at the hotel’s ballroom tomorrow. Brides and grooms-to-be can meet professional planners and vendors who will answer queries and guide you towards your big day. From 3-8pm; call 02 813 5550.
