Culture Beat: Jules Wabbes, Tim Parks, family films and more!

The Bulletin's weekly arts round-up for Brussels and beyond

ART & DESIGN

Jules Wabbes, Bozar (pictured)

In calling the frequently overlooked Belgian furniture designer Jules Wabbes Design Man, Bozar is reinforcing the trend of incorporating design into the world of art. And in drawing together 60 pieces of furniture, many on public display for the first time, with extensive photos, plans and models, it presents an illuminating homage to a true Belgian talent. The self-taught Wabbes (1919-1974) is acclaimed for his office furniture, an extensive series of largely latticework designs that are characteristic of his perfectionism. The minimalist yet sophisticated lines of the Gérard Philipe writing tables, with tapering steel legs, are typical in their technical prowess and sturdiness. His creations were destined for leading Belgian companies, embassies and private buyers, and his visionary fusion of craft and commerce led to collaborations with national airline Sabena for the fitting-out of DC-6 and DC-7 aircraft. The show is a true insight into the related worlds of postwar architecture and design. Among the many memorable designs and objects on show, what is particularly remarkable is the progression of his furniture from the early tropical wood slats and functional office tables to end-of-wood round tables that are marvels of marquetry. Other design lines of note include light fittings: honeycomb styles that diffuse while illuminating. These are timeless designs of the utmost quality.

Until January 13, www.bozar.be

LITERATURE

Tim Parks, Flagey 

Flagey’s always-interesting Writers’ Europe series features Italy-based British writer, translator and academic Tim Parks, who presents his new novel, The Server. His latest fictional work unfolds over a 10-day period on a meditation retreat and was inspired by his own experience of a medical malaise that he overcame through Vipassana meditation. The tale of that journey, Teach Us to Sit Still, triggered literary success that had previously evaded him, despite prizes and recognition for early works Europa, Destiny and Judge Savage. Since then, non-fiction works detailing his Italian experiences have all been well received. Parks talks in English to VRT journalist Kristien Bonneure.

Flagey, October 24, 20.15, www.flagey.be, www.passaporta.be

MUSIC & THEATRE

Festival des Libertés

The annual freedom festival returns with a timely interrogation of the global crisis, with arts, debates and an international documentary competition of 30 films that touch on human rights. Musical entertainment takes the form of world music concerts: Balkan and gypsy beats from Taraf de Haïdouks & Kocani Orkestar, hip-hop by De La Soul, rap from influential Americans Public Enemy and electro-swing-jazz by Caravan Palace  and Ogres de Barback. There is also theatre with the German drama 20 November, based on a real-life story by Lars Norén, and multimedia project Constellation 1961.

October 18 to 27, Théâtre National & KVS, www.festivaldeslibertes.be

COMMUNITY THEATRE 

Arsenic and Old Lace, Bozar 

The American Theatre Company launches its new season at Bozar with the murder mystery Arsenic and Old Lace by American playwright Joseph Kesselring. The dark comedy is directed by Adam Brown.

October 23-27, 20.00, Bozar, www.atc.theatreinbrussels.com

KIDS

Family-friendly films, Bozar

The first of four films for eight-year-olds and up is musical comedy Singing in the Rain starring Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. The 1952 American classic is followed by the animation favourite Finding Nemo (December 2), Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands (January 13) and early American portrayal of the English legend The Adventure of Robin Hood (March 3). 

October 21 to March 3, Bozar, www.bozar.be

EXHIBITIONS IN CHARLEROI

Intranquilités, BPS22

The city’s contemporary art space creates a dialogue between three artists from Morocco: Charif Benhelima, Mohamed El Baz and Mounir Fatmi. Part of DABA Maroc (a Brussels-Wallonia Federation artistic programme), their photographs, videos and installations explore cultural identity via the notions of curiosity and freedom of expression. 

Until December 16, www.bps22.hainaut.be

Dave Anderson, Musée de la Photo

Europe’s largest photography museum, in Mont-sur-Marchienne, is celebrating its 25th birthday. One of the year’s flagship exhibitions is this show by Dave Anderson, one of the shooting stars of the American photo scene. The works are the result of his wanderings around the once-prosperous industrial city. Anderson’s portraits go beyond the clichés and hard facts to convey real lives; the joy, humour and inextinguishable spirit that defines the Caroloregion.

Until January 20, www.museephoto.be