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Culture beat: 5 June

14:29 05/06/2015
Countdown to summer : European film and music plus English-language theatre and literature

Cinema meets music at the Brussels Film Festival, opening this evening for its 13th edition with an appearance by Cannes prize winner Vincent Lindon. The annual celebration of European cinema has a packed programme of screenings, debates, workshops and other events including outdoor screenings. Saturday evening is devoted to a film concert, Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey with music by Zone Libre. The festival includes competitions with screenings of 70 films from 15  countries. Guest of honour is French actress Juliette Binoche and among the special guests, are Jacques Doillon, Bouli Lanners and Jérémie Renier. At Flagey and Cinematek, until 12 June.

Brussels’ weekly summer Roller-Bike Parade kicks off this evening (Friday), departing from Place Poelaert. Speed through the city’s tunnels (car-free)  and enjoy the party atmosphere. Free participation; in case of rain the event is cancelled. Rendezvous at 19.00 for departure at 20.00.

Non-profit world and folk music promoter Muziekpublique proudly presents its new project Voxtra on Saturday evening. The ten-person group brings together 10 singers from five different cultures: Finland, Madagascar, Albania, Belgium and Sardinia. The organisation says: “The common ground of all of these artists is a strong link to a particular vocal tradition and at the same time a rootedness in the Belgian soil.  For example, Brihans Gjini has participated in the popular TV show ‘Idool’; The Sards have a popular café in a mineworkers area in Genk; Talike, who lives in Philippeville, has been participating in a bunch of intercultural Belgian projects (with Karim Baggili, Blindnote …); Raphaël De Cock is a musician and biologist; and Anu sings in various Brussels-based Jazz (and other) formations.”

Crowds gather in Place de la Bourse on Sunday from midday for the latest Pic Nic The Street protest. Calling for ‘intelligent’ pedestrianisation of the city centre, the organisation welcomes the imminent car-free city centre, but does not want to see a mini-ring around the city or the building of extra car parks.

The Brussels Shakespeare Society performs a 1920s version of the comedy As You Like It at the Petit Varia Theatre from 8 to 13 June. A firm favourite among Shakespeare’s comedies, and featuring some of his best-loved characters, the play is a pastoral romance with the playwright’s trademark cross-dressing, gentle satire and witty conversation. Directed by Tim Myers (in English) and sponsored by The Fry Group. Meanwhile, the Irish Theatre Group is in final rehearsals for its annual Bloomsnight on Saturday 13 June. Poetry, drama, music and food are all on the menu and with limited places you are advised to book soon.

English-language bookshop Waterstone’s stages two timely literary events ahead of the bicentenary of the battle of Waterloo later this month. First up is local author Leona Francombe presenting her fictionalisation Waterloo story, The Sage of Waterloo, on Thursday 11 June from 19.00. Then writer Alastair White signs copies of his book The Road to Waterloo and chats with Francombe on Saturday 13 June from 10.30 to 13.00. The events are free but confirmation of attendance is necessary by sending a mail to Events.Brussels@waterstones.com 

 

 

 

Written by Sarah Crew

Comments

francesco.sinibaldi

When the wind is blowing....

Sometimes my
fantasy appears
in the yellow
dream of a light
pearl and so,
while a noble
intention falls
upon my memory,
I see your desire
and the little
purpose.

Francesco Sinibaldi

Jun 7, 2015 14:25