Wael Shawky: Drama 1882
Exhibition
An absolute highlight of the 2024 Venice Biennale, Wael Shawky’s video work Drama 1882 addresses a key moment in Egyptian history: the nationalist Urabi Revolution (1879–1882) in which the Egyptian army revolted against increasing European influence. In 1882 the uprising was suppressed by the British, who subsequently occupied the country until 1956.
The historical events are presented in the form of an opera, which functions simultaneously as a history lesson and an analysis of the current global political situation. It questions who has the power to label a person or group as a terrorist, resistance fighter or hero. The performers’ slowed-down movements make the scenes look like tableaux vivants. Sung in classical Arabic by professional performers, Shawky’s work plays with the different layers of meaning of the concept of ‘drama’. On the one hand it evokes the atmosphere of theatre and entertainment, while on the other it stands for catastrophe and a fundamental doubt about the reliability of how history is written. Shawky himself wrote the libretto and composed the music.
Wael Shawky (1971, Alexandria) grew up in Mecca and later studied in the United States. Fascinated by social change, in his work he provides a space for alternative histories and sheds new light on issues surrounding migration and justice, seen from a contemporary perspective.
Drama 1882 has been jointly acquired by the Bonnefanten (Maastricht), Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Centraal Museum (Utrecht). This is the first time that the work has been shown in Utrecht.
From 6-9 November, you'll receive free entrance at Centraal Museum on presentation of your festival wristband (Day Passes & 4-Day Passes).
News
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