Summer Guide: Theatre & Performing Arts

Performing arts festivals, especially open-air ones, add a new dimension to culture in Belgium during the summer months. Most striking of all (apart from some of the settings) is the wide array of genres on offer across Belgium every summer. Here are a few selected highlights.

BRUXELLONS JULY 14-SEPTEMBER 8

Seventeen (mostly) theatrical productions including a modern take on Victor Hugo’s drama Marie Tudor (pictured) and a musical tribute to Jacques Brel. There’s something for everyone and, even if there wasn’t, the venue - Karreveld Castle in one of the capital’s magical green pockets - is worth the visit regardless.

Château de Karreveld, 3 Avenue Jean de la Hoese, www.bruxellons.be

FESTIVAL THÉÂTRES NOMADES AUGUST 23-26

The sixth edition of Théâtres Nomades transforms the Parc de Bruxelles once more into a vagabond village full of tents, caravans and outdoor stages. Visitors can enjoy over fifty free performances for young and old. The new attraction this year is the Foundouk, a Berber-style camp which will host—in addition to fun and games—a professional conference on culture and nomadism.

Parc de Bruxelles, www.theatresnomades.be

BEYOND BRUSSELS

OPERA ON THE BEACH UNTIL AUGUST 24

Brussels’ La Monnaie presents opera on the beach via a massive screen mounted at Knokke’s Heldenplein. Every second and fourth Friday evening of the summer, bathers can enjoy works by Massenet, Dvorak, Handel and Verdi.

Knokke-Heist, www.lamonnaie.be

THÉÂTRE AU VERT AUGUST 23-26

The village of Silly presents the 11th edition of its annual theatre festival. Four days packed with 

comedy, drama, monologue, music, vaudeville, children’s workshops and a forum devoted to the late Belgian author (and first woman elected to the prestigious Académie Française) Marguerite Yourcenar.

Silly, www.theatreauvert.be

M-IDZOMER AUGUST 2-5

A collaboration between Museum Leuven, cultural centre 30CC and music venue Het Depot, this doozy of a festival combines music, comedy, dance, theatre, performance, poetry and visual arts.

Leuven, www.m-idzomer.be

THÉÂTRE AU CHÂTEAU UNTIL JULY 21

Almost daily stagings of modern drama Les Amis de Carole by Christian Dalimier and Cie Lazzi.

Modave, www.modave-castle.be