All Day

Hatshepsut: The Woman Who Would Be King

kanvas Dubai Unit 1, Al Khayat Art Avenue, 19th Street Al Quoz 1, Dubai

Actually, she was king (sort of). This "groundbreaking immersive show" covers the life of Hatshepsut (c. 1507–1458 BCE), the fifth Pharaoh of Egypt's Eighteenth Dynasty – ruling first as regent to her stepson Thutmose III, then as queen regnant. She dressed [... more]

AED 50

Hamilton: An American Musical

Etihad Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The multi award winning musical is making its Middle Eastern debut for an extended run at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena (to 11 February). Lin-Manuel Miranda’s book, music and lyrics have created something of a revolutionary moment in theatre – it’s [... more]

From AED 180

PLUMA

Festival City Mall Dubai

A circus experience (no animals!) under the big top, courtesy of Cirque du Liban. "Watch in amazement as our acrobats defy gravity, through the air with breathtaking precision"; the narrative, such as it is, concerns a girl (the titular Pluma) [... more]

From AED 95

Sharjah Light Festival

[various Sharjah locations]

Regular readers will know that magpie has always been a fan of the Sharjah Light Festival, the 13th edition of which runs 7 to 18 February. SLF is being joined by two more light festivals that have emerged in the [... more]

Free

Perhaps Here

Sharjah Art Foundation – Bait Al Serkal Arts Square, Sharjah

Borrowing its title from Khulood Al Mualla’s fourth book of poetry Rubbama Huna, Perhaps Here explores the orbits of contemporary imagination through a variety of live performances. This event will feature artists from diverse disciplines who will share their works [... more]

Free

Naser Al Sughaiyer: Lisan

Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai

A semi-fictional sound-walk in the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, departing from the Jameel and following the Dubai Creek along the Jaddaf waterfront. It is an immersive and interactive experience narrated by a 12-year-old girl, leading audiences through contrasting natural and [... more]

Free, but pre-register
Ongoing

Judit Böröcz, Bence György Pálinkás and Máté Szigeti: Singing Youth

Sharjah Institute of Theatrical Arts Calligraphy Square, Sharjah

The original Singing Youth is a larger-than-life memorial statue of three young people by Greek sculptor Memos Makris, a political refugee in Hungary. In 1953, the statue was installed in front of a sports stadium in Budapest; it still stands [... more]

Free

Nemr

Festival City Mall Dubai

The Lebanese/American comic is touring a new stand-up show (his eight major tour, by our count). Expect inch-perfect delivery, a great ability to work the room, and especially spot-on commentary on the world's recent experiences. Recommended, even at these prices. [... more]

From AED 200

NEOclassica with Arash Behzadi

Theatre of Digital Arts Souk Madinat Jumeriah, Dubai

Arash Behzadi plays his own compositions, "neoclassical musical narratives reflecting the ups and downs of life ... Passion, love, yearning, heartache and solace: all these feelings will come alive", accompanied by ToDA's 360° visuals. The excellent Soren Lyng Hansen guests [... more]

From AED 190