Wherefore art thou?
James Fryer feels the Valentine romance coming with a pair or star-crossed lovers.
The Russian Festival Ballet takes centre stage at the Madinat Theatre this month for a performance of Shakespeare’s timeless classic Romeo and Juliet. The bard’s work is portrayed through expressive and rapturous dancing, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s musical masterpiece. Shakespeare’s play is an ageless tale of passion as two lovers from rival families become entwined in the feud between their houses. Ultimately, the struggle between the Montagues and the Capulets leads the star-crossed loves to take their lives. An artistically and choreographically demanding ballet follows the lovers’ stolen moments at the Capulet Ball through to the brawling antics in the town square and the tragic demise of the protagonists. Yana Kazantseva radiates youthful determination as she takes on the role of the play’s desperate belle, while Dmitry Smirnov infuses his performance with dignity and passion.
Romeo and Juliet, February 14 to 17, Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Tickets from Dhs150 for matinee performances, from Dhs190 for evening performances. Tel: (04) 3666546.
Stepping out
The contemporary Irish music and dance show Dance of Desire sees a cast of 25 performers (including 20 world and Irish champion dancers, including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance performers) stomping their way into Dubai this month.
A series of performances will feature Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos in a show that’s sold out across the world, from Beijing to Berlin and Chicago to the Czech Republic. Featuring a spectacle of dancing, music and special on-stage effects, the What’s On-sponsored event is a must see performance.
Dance of Desire, February 22 to 26, Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Tickets are Dhs95 for children, Dhs145 for adults. Tel: (04) 3666546.
Run to him
Bryan Adams fans disappointed that his UAE show has been cancelled will be able to make the short trip over to Qatar this month to catch the Canadian rock star performing a benefit concert for Reach Out to Asia – a fund-raising campaign supporting relief efforts in Asia. Adams will be playing some his greatest hits and material from his latest album, Anthology, as part of his 2006 Room Service Tour.
Bryan Adams concert, Al Sadd Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Tickets from Dhs170. See www.bryanadams.com for more details. Qatar Airways is offering special deals on tickets. www.qatarairways.com.
Silk turn
Gallery 76’s Contour exhibition displays the work of Belgian artist Beatrijs Tavernier this month. Tavernier began painting on silk in the early 1980s and has continually searched for ways to express new ideas – her work promising the unusual combination of traditional techniques and materials. The grey skies of Belgium used to inspire her but since living in the UAE light has become more important.
Contour, February 11 to 25, Gallery 76, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3444398.
World of fun
Abu Dhabi’s Millennium Hotel is holding a party to remember this month. The Fun World event takes place in the Grand Ballroom and includes magic shows, clown performances, a bouncy castle, face painting, raffle draws, plenty of nibbles and a gift to take away.
Children’s party, 6pm to 10pm, February 17, Millennium Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Dhs50 for children and Dhs35 for adults. Tel: (02) 6262700.