This season’s lineup features returning faves and fresh faces, with 30+ artists bringing 55 performances
It’s a decade of creative brilliance as The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi celebrates its 10th Season with a bang!
With a theme of Looking Back and Looking Forward, this season is packed with 55 performances featuring over 30 global and local artists.
Whether you’re into world premieres, UAE debuts, or returning favorites, there’s something for everyone.
What’s on the calendar?
Expect the world premiere of Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle by Reem Almenhali and Ahmed Almadloum, and UAE debuts from artists like Gaye Su Akyol, Cimafunk, and KOKOKO!.
You’ll also catch the first UAE performances of shows like Sol Invictus by Cie. Hervé Koubi, and Augurs by Chrystèle Khodr.
Highlights from the past
Over the last decade, The Arts Center has been a hub for new work, commissioning 46 pieces, presenting 20 world premieres, and hosting 86 UAE debuts or premieres.
The 10th season kicks off on September 5 with *Sol Invictus*, blending ballet and hip-hop in a unique contemporary dance show by Cie. Hervé Koubi.
NYUAD Alumni Shine
This season also puts the spotlight on NYUAD alumni, like Reem Almenhali, who returns with Hamour Doesn’t Leave the Cubicle. This new work, supported by ADMAF and the UAE Ministry of Culture, is a must-see on 19 October.
And there are returning favourites, too.
Fans of past seasons will be thrilled to see the return of the Trisha Brown Dance Company on 15 November , presented by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. Expect to see In The Fall, a new choreography by Noé Soulier, alongside Trisha Brown’s iconic 1985 piece, Working Title.
A glimpse into the future
The new season isn’t just about looking back. On 19,20 September, Turkish artist Gaye Su Akyol teams up with TootArd to bring a night of electrifying music blending global pop, Turkish psychedelia, and SouthWest Asian vibes.
And don’t miss the Tamaas Festival on 13 February, where artists like Cimafunk and KOKOKO! will make their UAE debut. It’s a night of border-crossing music that promises to be unforgettable.
Expanding the UAE’s arts ecosystem
The Arts Center’s mission goes beyond performances. The *Off The Stage* series, presented by Mubadala, offers workshops, discussions, and panels that contribute to the growing arts ecosystem in the UAE. Expect dance workshops with Cie Hervé Koubi and Trisha Brown Dance Company, and theatre workshops like The Mask Before the Script with Francesca Bizzarri.
A word from Bill Bragin
Executive Artistic Director Bill Bragin reflects, “As we mark this milestone, we’re proud of the strong relationships we’ve built with artists and audiences. Our commitment to fostering creativity and serving as a vibrant hub for intercultural dialogue remains as strong as ever.”
For the full list of events, check out the Arts Center’s calendar and get ready to be inspired!
And grab your tickets, click here
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