Culture beat – March 14

Hoorah! A female comedian is finally gracing the stage of Stand Up Brussels comedy at Théâtre 140 on March 22. Ventriloquist star Nina Conti is a familiar face on UK television, as are her motley collection of sidekicks. The award-winning comedian and actress may appear as though butter would not melt in her mouth, but each puppet is an alter ego. From the unsayable, to the sexually explicit and the deepest excesses of her psyche, meet Monkey, Scottish granny, and other members of her family. It promises to be a hilarious and clever show that defies the boundaries of the genre. Also performing an extended set next Saturday evening, is Andrew O’Neill, who specialises in the absurd and downright silliness. Pre-show Indian meal available for €12. with sidekick Monk.

Belgium is the place for eclectic collecting, and the fine art and antique fair Eurantica, prides itself on its multifaceted and contemporary character. The largest fair in Belgium runs until March 23 at Brussels Expo. More than 30% of the stands are new exhibitors and there is particular depth in the fields of 20th-century art, extra-European art & archaeology. Brussels is the theme of the 2014 edition with a tribute to some of the city’s major creative talents.

If you love rock music and interactive theatre, then this is the show for you. Les Franglaises at Wolubilis theatre presents 12 English-language rock hits under the banner ‘name that tune’, from March 18 to 20. The audience has to guess the title of the first song, and then be ready to join in the rest of the show, performed by Les Tistics, 12 all-singing and dancing actors who blast out music by Michael Jackson, The Eagles, and The Village People, and others.

With a successful inaugural edition under its belt, Ladyfest Brussels is back for round two against the powers that be. The politically minded arts festival, from march 14 to 16, spans three days of discussions, workshops, screenings, visual arts and concerts at Brass. Featured artists do more than simply promote sex and gender equality; they explore alternatives to normative gender roles. Guests are invited from all over Europe: Dutch performance-art collective De Pottenfabriek play with subcultural stereotypes. A British graphic designer exhibits her iconoclastic collages. Austrian quartet Lusie Pop plays politically engaged indie rock. There’s also a strong local contingent. Brussels minimalist-punk duo Baby Fire, for instance, perform at the festival’s opening night.

The city’s prime network party people @seven are meeting up for an Afterwork Summit at Tiago’s on March 20 from 19.00-21.00. The Berlaymont bar and restaurant evening offers a free glass of cava and dinner for €15. Reserve by email or call 0475 674 291.