Culture Beat - January 23

Stand-up from the UK, a contemporary dance journey, French literary premiere and a Brussels icon 

British comedian Arthur Smith takes the stage at Théâtre 140 on January 26 in the latest of the popular Stand Up World series. The South Londoner and stalwart of the UK comedy scene has also written plays including An Evening with Gary Lineker and shows such as Arthur Smith Sings Leonard Cohen, as well as making regular appearances on TV and radio. His self-deprecating sense of humour encompasses surrealism and an endless supply of one-liners. Fellow Brits Bob Mills and Andy White kick off the evening.Tickets €26, pre-show Indian buffet €12.

The Brussels-based Swiss choreographer Thomas Hauert (of ZOO contemporary dance company) joins his Catalan counterpart Àngels Margarit for the collaboration From B to B, premiering in Belgium at Kaaitheater on January 26 and 27. Evoking a trip from Brussels to Barcelona, the main theme of From B to B is differing forms of communication. The result is a playful and amusing dance theatre performance. On January 27, Kaaitheater is organising its third Matinee Kadee of the season. While parents enjoy the matinee show, children can take part in a playful workshop.  

Versatile French actress Isabelle Huppert reads from one of her country’s leading literary figures Sade on January 27 at Bozar, performing two of the writer’s emblematic heroines, Juliette and Justine. The Marquis de Sade was for a long time relegated to the status of porn writer, but has now been elevated to France’s cultural heritage. The world premiere by French philosopher and writer Raphaël Enthoven explores the moral dilemma evoked by the lives of two sisters and their diverse destinies.

An unusual and ambitious work arrives at Balsamine in the form of Vision, a theatrical screening by Belgian director Pierre Megos from January 29 to February 9. The surrealist show (in English, subtitled in French and Dutch) is Megos’s personal and poetic vision of the Hollywood myth. The confrontation between live performance and screening only adds to the contrast between reality and fantasy.

Iranian percussionist Madjid Khaladj is a multi-instrumentalist and teacher. He has regularly worked with Espace Senghor and returns on January 26 to perform his new project, the Persian music and dance show Le Souffle du Zéphyr, alongside other musicians and dancers.

And finally, Belgian singer Arno returns to KVS for one-night only on January 31 with his latest acclaimed album, Future Vintage. Arno is a rare artist who crosses the country’s language barriers – he is Flemish but sings in French and English – and is popular with all communities. This is an excellent opportunity to hear his biting vocals and rasping voice in an intimate setting.