An updated official calendar for one of Bahrain’s biggest cultural events was revealed yesterday, featuring an extensive lineup of musical, artistic and theatrical events to take place this spring.
The 20th edition of the Spring of Culture festival, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), will run from March to May, ‘with a season rooted in memory and place, as contemporary expressions unfold with authenticity,’ according to organisers.
“Since its launch in 2006, the festival has grown into a vibrant hub for connection, bringing together artists, thinkers and audiences in an annual encounter that transcends borders,” Baca added in a statement.
“The programme offers a rich array of musical and theatrical evenings, art exhibitions, intellectual talks and tours.
“By placing cultural institutions and heritage sites at its centre, Spring of Culture affirms their role not only as custodians of history, but as living spaces for learning, dialogue and collective memory.”
The three-month-long series of events will feature collaborations with Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research (SECCR), in association with Albareh Art Space, Al Riwaq Art Space, Art Concept Gallery, Folk Art Space, Kanoo Museum, La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art and Souq Al Baraha, with contributions from the French, German, Palestinian, Italian, Indian and Chinese embassies.
Ongoing events like the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum, the Museum of Engraving and Printmaking at Jamal A Rahim Gallery, as well as Kuwaiti artist Ghadah Alkandari’s exhibition titled ‘Maryam’s Sons’ at the Folk Art Space will segue the kingdom into Spring of Culture next month.
- Alarm Bell, an Arabic language family-friendly comedy theatrical play that follows a household swept up by the appeal of quick fame and easy money, will kick off the performance events for Spring of Culture. It will take place at the Cultural Hall on the second day of Eid Al Fitr, predicted to be around March 18 or 19, with shows on the third and fourth days as well.
- On March 20 and 21, internationally-renowned Chilean street performer Karcocha, who boasts more than three million followers on social media, will create spontaneous, joyful moments as he turns spectators into active participants.
- The world-famous Canadian spectacle Cirque Du Soleil – Corteo will make its debut in the kingdom on March 22 at Exhibition World Bahrain, with shows running until March 28.
- American singer and songwriter Josh Groban will take the stage at the Bahrain National Theatre on March 25 for a sold-out concert. On the same day at SECCR, Cairo University professor Ahmed Ghoneim will deliver a lecture centred on the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- From March 26 to 28 at a variety of locations, Argentinean performer Victor Rubilar will blend football juggling with dance and comedy.
- The community photography project Photos A La Chair will be hosting a special session at the Tree of Life on March 27 from 2pm to 5pm.
- There will be a unique ‘Two Museums’ tour covering the Bahrain National Museum and the Pearling Path on March 27 at 3.30pm.
- For those looking for a more traditional performance, Dar Qalali will take centre stage on March 28 at Dar Al Muharraq, with a Fijiri performance featuring authentic maritime songs reflecting the spirit of the sea.
- On March 29, a multi-sensory concert blending the notes of fragrances and music – titled ‘Perfumes’ – by the Ensemble Agamemnon will take the stage at the Bahrain National Theatre.
- Saudi artist Zahrah Alghamdi’s solo exhibition will kick off on March 29 at 7pm and run until the end of June.
- The Palestinian collective Al Istiqlal Dance Troupe will also be highlighting their traditional folklore and music during a special dance performance at the Cultural Hall on March 30, starting at 8pm.
- On April 2, top Bahraini, Russian and Egyptian musicians will come together under the baton of Maestro Waheed Alkhan for a special orchestra at the Bahrain National Theatre at 8pm.
- And those who want a twist of comedy with their music can enjoy the ‘Maestro Malfunction’ featuring Spanish street performer Rolando, taking place at a variety of locations on April 2 and 3.
- France and Bahrain will highlight their close ties during a special exhibition opening on April 7 at 6pm and running until the end of the month.
- Bahraini photographer Ghada Khunji will also be returning to the Kanoo Museum in Manama with her Akkas project, capturing portraits of Bahrain’s citizens and residents, from April 15 to May 30.
- Popular Bahraini singer Khalid Alshaikh will take the stage at the Bahrain National Theatre on April 16 at 8pm and the fourth edition of Kitab Wa Makan highlighting the importance of reading, will take place at the same venue on April 22 at 7pm.
- Palestinian performer Leen Al Faqih will serenade audiences on April 23 at the Cultural Hall.
In total, more than 50 unique art, cultural, music and theatre events have been lined up from March to May. In addition, a variety of educational workshops are being organised in April and May. These include short film-making, naqda embroidery, pottery, perfume crafting, chocolate-making, acting, artificial intelligence, 3D clay printing, bukhoor and more.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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