Culture beat – May 14

Belgium’s premier music event, the Queen Elisabeth Competition starts today, May 14, this year dedicated to the voice. After pre-selection and some withdrawals, 64 singers from around the world are pitched to perform in the marathon contest. The first rounds continue at Flagey until May 16, after which the 50 women and 14 men will be whittled down to 24 semi-finalists and following two recitals from each, the 12 finalists will be announced on May 20. The Queen Elisabeth carousel moves to Bozar for the final concerts from May 28 to 31. Six Belgians, including two with dual nationality, are among the hopefuls. The 11-member international jury includes Belgian bass-baritone José Van Dam. Tickets are available for the first rounds and the semi-finals, or follow live broadcasts on VRT and RTBF television and radio stations.

It’s Neighbours’ Day on Friday, the community event that encourages street parties around the country. If you want to host a party, register it on the Neighbours’ Day website and start inviting… Popular events are buffets, barbecues, aperitifs and activities for kids and families.

The EU Open Door Day on Saturday May 17 is your chance to step inside the imposing EU buildings. The annual event is designed to demystify the EU and with less than two weeks to go before European Parliament elections on May 25, the various institutions will be doing their best to encourage public participation. The European Parliament, Council and Commission are all organising events, tours, discussions, film screenings and more. As the Greek presidency of the Council draws to a close (June 30), Hellenic culture is celebrated with a photography exhibition and a dance performance. Find out about Greek products and recipes on the a Discovering Network site. The non-profit organisation will be at Berlaymont and Schuman roundabout as part of La Fête du Pain.

Two seasoned performers are lined up to entertain comedy fans at Stand Up Brussels on Saturday evening (May 17). The habitual multicultural audience at Théâtre 140 should pose no threat to John Moloney, a British comic of Irish descent, who regularly performs around the world. The former languages teacher is also an accomplished musician as well as deadpan wit. Also delivering an extended set is veteran gagster Bob Mills, a comedy circuit regular since 1985. The Londoner is familiar to many as a TV presenter, sharing his passion for comedy, football and modern culture. An Indian buffet (inc vegetarian option) is available before the show for €12.

Book now for the American Theatre Company’s next serving of contemporary drama, We Live Here by Zoe Kazan, directed by Carrie Ellwanger, from May 21 to 24. As the dysfunctional Bateman clan gather in their New England home for the wedding of oldest daughter Allie, the appearance of a surprise guest resurrects a family tragedy. This is the second play by Kazan, an actress and screenwriter who is the grand-daughter of director Elia Kazan. It premiered in New York in 2011. The ATC production is at Lumen Theatre, Chaussée de Boondael.

Future dates

Traditional Thai dance The Khôn is a masked and costumed show on May 20 at Bozar (in Thai; English surtitles). For a gastronomic experience head to the Culinaria food show from May 21 to 25 at Tour & Taxis. More details next week…