What’s on this week: 19-25 November

Some of the best performance coming out of Latin America arrive in Brussels for the Próximamente Festival, a collaboration among KVS and theatres and festivals from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. Identity and the decolonialisation of Latin America are central to the programme. As part of the Próximamente Festival, KVS is presenting a contemporary version of Roman poet Ovid’s masterpiece Metamorphoses by world-renowned Chilean theatre creator Manuela Infante. The piece could be best described as a “noise play” in which all voices are processed live. 22-28 November, KVS & Kaaitheater

The Schuman Show, a live send-up of European politics and politicians, is back for its third monthly edition. Expect comedy sketches, improv, the personification of Ursula von der Leyen and an occasional sing-along. Tickets – available from Friday night – are sold in tables of four, so grab some friends and enjoy this clever nod to the trials and tribulations of the European experiment. 25 November 21.00-22.00, Claridge Event, Chaussée de Louvain 24 (Saint-Josse)

We have largely abandoned our shared natural origins, but, according to French artist David Décamp, we are desperate to get it back. This intriguing notion – and years working as a lumberjack in the Jura mountains – informs his work. The solo show Un Pas de côté also explores the death of nature, as evidenced by ‘Le bucher est servi’ (pictured). Until 8 January, La Forest Divonne Galerie, Rue de l'Hôtel des Monnaies 66 (Saint-Gilles)

Can migration ever be discussed in a way that doesn’t polarise the populace? Belgian professor and author Francois Gemenne thinks so, and advises how in his intriguingly titled book On A Tous Un Ami Noir (We All Have a Black Friend). A specialist in geopolitics and migration dynamics, Gemenne is the next speaker featured at the Full Circle Salon. (In English) 24 November 18.00-20.00, Full Circle House, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)

Cinematek isn’t just a place to see retrospectives of interesting directors or cult classics from yesteryear, it’s also a film archive with a restoration department. The series Restored puts some of their work in the spotlight as well as the work of restorers from around the world. Check out, for instance, fully restored versions of Total Recall, Slacker and short films by American cinema pioneer DW Griffith. 20-30 November, Baron Horta 9

The Brussels Light Opera Company presents the musical comedy The Addams Family, in which Wednesday grows older, only to fall in love with a ‘normal’. Enjoy the antics of Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch in this family-friendly production. 25-28 November, Auderghem CC, Boulevard du Souverain 183

Mozart Momentum features the composer’s piano concertos from 1785-86, a fruitful period that saw him breaking tradition with the genre. Concerts feature the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, with special guests including Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes (pictured) and German soprano Christiane Karg. 19-21 November, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

Brussels filmmaker Gwenaël Breës went on a quest to meet the leadman of the synth-pop band Talk Talk. The absence of the famously elusive Mark Hollis – since deceased – is what informs the poetic film In a Silent Way, opening in Cinema Aventure this week. Opening night includes a talk by the director. (Film in English with French and Dutch subtitles, talk in French) From 24 November, Rue des Fripiers 15

Get tickets now: Rufus Wainwright  Born into one of the most musically talented families in the world, Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright brings his multidisciplinary genius to Belgium next year. His European tour sees him in Brussels in January and back in Antwerp in March. It is in support of his 10th studio album Unfollow the Rules, which somewhat describes the singer’s career, from pop to opera to setting music to Shakespeare’s sonnets. 23 January, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23, Brussels; 24 March, De Roma, Turnhoutsebaan 286, Borgerhout (Antwerp)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The World Press Photo 2021 showcases the best visual journalism of the previous year. Its worldwide tour touches down in Liège at La Cité Miroir – an emblematic 1930s building that once served as the city’s thermal baths. The annual photo competition plunges visitors into the major preoccupations of 2020, notably the Covid pandemic, Black Lives Matters demonstrations and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The selected 150 images capture poignant, tragic and heartfelt moments that reflect some of the globe’s most urgent issues, including the climate crisis. Until 30 December, Place Xavier Neujean 22, Liège

A delightful winter night awaits at Putteke Winter, a travelling celebration of light, fire and music. Three recreational domains are transformed into magical lands of light installations, fire performances, food & drink and live music. Enchanting atmosphere guaranteed. A few nights only, so grab tickets now. 27 November, 10-11 & 17 December, across Antwerp province

Truman Capote, Lou Reed, Edie Sedgwick and Andy Warhol. You expect no less of characters from American film director Gus Van Sant’s first-ever stage production. The director of such luminary indie flicks as My Own Private Idaho and Palm d’Or winner Elephant, has produced Trouble, a piece chronicling the early years of Warhol’s career and Van Sant’s own encounters with the legendary creator of pop art.  (In English with Dutch surtitles) 25-28 November, deSingel, Desguinlei 25 (Antwerp)

Head’s up: Many events now require both a Covid Safe Ticket and a facemask, in keeping with the latest coronavirus measures

Photos, from top: ©Rodrigo de Oliveira, courtesy La Forest Divonne Galerie, courtesy Tri-Star Pictures, ©Gregor Hohenberg, ©Ralph Pace/World Press Photo, ©Bruno Simao

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