What’s on this week: 24 February to 2 March

How we experience culture changes as technology changes, and this is no more evident than at Lens Dans, where live performance and audio-visual mix. Check out dance and theatre against multi-media backdrops, cinema sessions and an open mic. The festival closes with a big dance party featuring DJs carefully selected for the occasion. 24 & 25 February, Recyclart, Rue de Manchester 13 (Molenbeek)

You don’t need to go to Andalucia to see some of the world’s finest Flamenco dancers; they are right here during the Bruselas Flamenco Festival. Irene Álvarez, one of the greatest Flamenco dancers in the world, is on the programme, as are Compañia Manuel Liñán, a group of men in full bailaora costume, breaking the gender codes of the dance. Every performance features live music by Spain’s top artists in the genre, and local musicians get in on the act with classical and jazz fusions. 28 February to 5 March, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

The beautiful Neo-classical townhouse Maison des Arts might just be the perfect place for Sub Terra, an exhibition dedicated to traditions surrounding death and burial. Built in the earlier part of the 19th century, the mansion is surrounded by the ghosts of Schaerbeek’s rural past. The group show brings together organic vanities, spiritual totems, cold chambers from the morgue and much more to explore our conflicting relationship with the underworld, literally and figuratively. 25 February to 14 May, Chaussée de Haecht 147 (Schaerbeek)

Journey to the red centre of Australia with the exhibition Caress the Earth II at the Aboriginal Signature Estrangin gallery. In partnership with the Ernabella artist community in APY land, it’s showing 25 paintings and 18 ceramics by 21 artists from the region, including Carlene Thompson (pictured). The artists portray their relationship with the earth and stories of the dreamtime as inspired by their ancestors. They include the late Jangala Carroll, who’s been represented by the gallery since 2015. Reservation necessary. Until 18 March, Rue Jules Besme 101 (Koekelberg)

Come share your slam, hip-hop, rap or comedic talents at Mama’s Open Mic, one of the coolest nights in the capital. Arrive early to sign up for a spot between headliners, or just come to hang out, hear some creative spoken word and soak up the vibes of this groovy, multi-cultural event. Admission and spots on stage are free. Note Antwerp dwellers: Mama’s is staged more regularly in your town at Het Bos. 24 February 20.00-23.00, Muntpunt, Place de la Monnaie 6

Have you long dreamed of visiting Tokyo? Well, everyone can now go without booking a flight thanks to the new digital exhibition, Tokyo Art City*. It takes visitors into the heart of the high-tech Japanese capital and its diverse and cutting-edge culture. Seven iconic districts are open to explore with 360° immersion, with detailed projections of cherry blossoms, packed streets and iconic monuments, as well as interactive projections.  Until 5 March, Viage Digital Art Theatre, Boulevard Anspach

Performers from across the world put on a show at Europavox Festival. The collaboration with Botanique and Europavox brings innovative techno and dreamy electronica from as far as the Faroe Islands to Brussels. A dozen up-and-coming artists take to the stage over the weekend, representing a kaleidoscope of nationalities. They include Brandt Brauer Frick (pictured) from Germany, who combines classical music with techno for an eclectic performance. 25 & 26 February, Botanique, Rue Royale 236

The February school holiday means Family Day at the BELvue museum. All ages are catered to at this annual event stuffed with all kinds of activities. This year’s theme is Superheroes, so kids can make their own capes, step inside a special photo booth to put their superpowers to use and pay tribute to the superheroes of their everyday lives. This being the museum dedicated to Belgian history, kids can also build their version of Brussels and help the Belgian heroes of yesteryear realise their important ventures. All activities are in English, French and Dutch. 26 February 11.00-19.00, Place des Palais 7

The Art of the Brick* is an exhibition dedicated to sculptures made entirely from the famous plastic building blocks. Dinosaur skeletons, wild animals, even reproductions of famous works of art like Michaelangelo’s David and the Mona Lisa – nothing is too complicated or too big for Lego artist Nathan Sawaya. The whole family will marvel at his creativity, on show in the heart of Brussels, which has been extended for a couple of months. Until 14 May, Grand Place 5

It’s your last chance to catch the exhibition Great Art for Great Kids* staged a stone’s throw from the Grand Place. Designed to entertain young and old, discover subverted iconic images – by Da Vinci, Vermeer and Michel-Ange – that feature animals in various forms. This revisit of some of the great art masters offers a fun and interactive introduction to painting. Until 5 March, Rue de la Colline 24

Book now The Baltimore Waltz staged by the American Theatre Company is a dizzy journey across France, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria in the 1980s as a brother and sister seek a medical cure after one of them receives a devastating medical diagnosis. Tickets are on sale for the satirical, funny and biographical work, written by Paula Vogel and directed by Robynn Colwell. 16-25 March, The Warehouse Studio Theatre, Rue Waelhem 69A (Schaerbeek)

Outside Brussels

Join the festivities of the Great Fire of Bouge, an annual carnival ceremony with links to pagan and Christian rites. The burning effigy of the winter man atop the fire traditionally ushers in spring. After months of building the giant bonfire on the hilltop on the outskirts of Namur, it will finally be set ablaze in a symbolic lighting ceremony, accompanied by folklore processions, singing and dancing and a firework display. Six other bonfires in other strategic locations overlooking the Meuse valley will also be lit in sequence. As with any carnival fun, there’s no shortage of snacks and refreshments. 26 February, from 18.20, Rue de L’Institut, Bouge (Namur)

Charleroi’s emblematic art museum BPS22 re-opens with a quartet of exhibitions following energy efficiency refurbishments to the former industrial site. Stayin' Alive paints a dynamic and lively portrait of the Hainaut province’s collections, linked to many current issues in society. As the title suggests, this show celebrates disco and lots of memorable party fever moments designed to uplift spirits. The other exhibitions show works by Jean-Pierre Ransonnet, Jean-Pierre Point, Jacques Charlier, Pol Piérart and Jean Spiroux. Until 23 April, BPS22, Boulevard Solvay, Charleroi

Take the whole family to Beauty and the Beast in concert, where you will see the live-action movie version – starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens – projected on a big screen and accompanied by an orchestra. While you hear the original dialogue and sound, the music has been extracted from the film and is played live by the Noordpool Orchest of the Netherlands. The film is shown in the original English with Dutch subtitles. 28 February Ghent, 3 March Antwerp

Photos: Flamenco Compañia Manuel Liñán © Marcos G Punto; Sub Terra © Giovanni Cioni; Carlene Thompson © Photo with the courtesy of Ernabella Art; Mama's Open Mic; Stayin alive 2023 © bps22 © photo-leslie-artamonow-2

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