Culture beat – January 2

After wowing audiences and winning awards abroad, the reprisal of Belgian contemporary dance classic Drumming Live returns to the Kaaitheater from January 9 to 12. Performed by Rosas & Ictus, choreographed by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and set to a percussion score by American musician Steve Reich, the 1998 creation is ranked a masterpiece. The energetic and hypnotising fusion of music and dance centres on a single rhythmic motif, inspired by African music. Parents can take advantage of Matinee Kadee on January 12 at 15.00; the circus skills workshop for children is free with the matinee performance.

American baritone and unofficial cultural ambassador Thomas Hampson has postponed his recital until April 27 for health reasons. Tickets remain valid for the later date as does the programme which includes lieder by Strauss (Richard), Webern, Zemlinsky and Mahler, among others. The singer possesses  one of opera’s most beautiful voices and is also a respected soloist, reputed for his powerful presence and charismatic performances. Hampson is accompanied by pianist Wolfram Rieger.

Bozar is the venue for the two key exhibitions of Europalia India, now in its final month. This weekend is the last chance to catch flagship show The Body in Indian Art  which closes on January 5. As the largest display in Europe of Indian art for the past 30 years, it consists of 300 works, that reveal many facets of this fascinating civilization. The second show, Indomania, from Rembrandt to the Beatles, continues until January 26.

Alternatively, take in a museum or two this Sunday, as many of the country’s top institutions are open for free. There are now a total of 100 museums free on the first Sunday of every month as 18 new museums have joined the project, launched by the non-profit Arts-Public in 2012. New Brussels additions include the Aquarium, Musée de la Maison d’Erasme, CIVA, Home frit Home, and the Médiatine. Check the following guide for full details, http://artsetpublics.wordpress.com/musees-partenaires/

Belgium’s annual political satire Sois belge et tais-toi! is currently on tour and returns to the capital on January 14 and 15 with shows at  Wolubilis. The musical comedy, now in its 16th year, offers a crowd-pleasing successful formula that pokes fun at the country’s longstanding politicos, royal family and the more surreal of its local institutions. With elections looming this year, the multi-talented band of actor/comics (many of whom have serious day jobs) lack no shortage of material. Particularly delicious this year are the parodies of Elio Di Rupo, King Philippe, Maggie De Block and Bart De Wever, while the Red Devils and  Chinese pandas also make an appearance. The highlight for many is the Dutch-language lesson on how to tell the time by Joël Riguelle, who just happens to be the mayor of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe. Written by father-and-son André and Baudouin Remy (who naturally perform an excellent Albert and Philippe double act), the show is in French with some dialogue in Dutch. While the tour is dominated by dates in Wallonia, the inclusion of Ghent since 2011 and Antwerp this year, proves the cross-community appeal of comedy!

If you're in the mood for live music , head to the Live Music Café where Irish singer Karen McHugh is appearing every Thursday in January (except the 16th) accompanied by guitarist and backing singer Thomas. Expect  rock-pop sounds with an injection of folk.