What's on this week: 1 March

Brussels’ American Theatre Company has chosen a most appropriate time to revive Arthur Miller’s classic 1953 play The Crucible. When it was first staged, the American playwright’s version of the Salem witch trials was recognised as a thinly veiled allegory of contemporary fear-mongering, particularly as practised by notorious US senator Joe McCarthy. Now the right is once more on the rise and its demagogues are using the same tactics to scapegoat foreigners and other marginalised groups. The ATC production is directed by Christopher Flores. 7-11 March, 20.00, Viage Theatre, Brussels

Minneapolis-based documentary photographer Alec Soth ignores the glitz and glamour of coastal America for the eccentricity of flyover country. His 2004 breakthrough photo book, Sleeping by the Mississippi, was a quirky road trip up and down the country’s central artery. He has since continued his explorations of middle America, often in the employ of publications like the New York Times as well as prestigious photography agency Magnum. His work evokes the free-spirited vagabondage of Jack Kerouac. Gathered Leaves is his first solo exhibition in Belgium and covers his entire career. Until 4 June, FotoMuseum, Antwerp

Chinese director Xie Fei’s award-winning 1990 drama gave the world a street-level view of a turbulent period in Chinese society. The film follows an ex-con as he attempts to resume his life and stay out of trouble in Tiananmen Square-era Beijing. Unfortunately the same forces that provoked the famous student protests keep Xie’s protagonist from the good life. Part of a retrospective programme celebrating Xie’s 50-year career. It’s preceded by a conference at Brussels art school INSAS and followed by a Q&A session with the director himself. Film in Mandarin with English surtitles, talk in English. 7 March, 20.00, Bozar, Brussels

Thievery Corporation: Veteran American trip-hop duo return to Europe to promote their latest album, The Temple of I & I. Their recent work explores Brazilian and world music. 4 March 20.00, Ancienne Belgique, Anspachlaan 110, Brussels

Lukas Graham: This Danish pop/rock group debuted strong with last year’s hit single, “7 Years”. Now, with a follow-up record and tour, they hope to prove they have staying power. 9 March 18.30, Lotto Arena, Schijnpoortweg 119, Antwerp

Anastasia Kozhushko & Matthieu Idmtal: Thirteenth-century concert hall hosts this matinee concert by a young duo who specialise in piano four-hand interpretations of Chopin, Liszt, Schubert and Tchaikovsky. 9 March 14.00, Bijloke, Jozef Kluyskensstraat 2, Ghent

Complete Works: Table Top Shakespeare: Belgian premiere of contemporary British theatre company Forced Entertainment’s marathon staging of Shakespeare’s complete works in miniature. In (Shakespearean) English. 7-12 March, Kaaistudio’s, Onze Lieve Vrouw Van Vaakstraat 81, Brussels

James Welling: Metamorphosis: Career-spanning exhibition of work by the celebrated American art photographer. Since the 1970s, Welling has pushed the boundaries of his medium, often by mixing it up with painting, sculpture and performance art. Until 16 April, SMAK., Jan Hoetplein 1, Ghent

Belgian Tube Days: Second edition of Belgium’s YouTube convention brings internet stars from Belgium and the Netherlands to meet their fans. Main stage panel moderated by young Flemish television star Amir Motaffaf. 5 March 11.00, Waagnatie, Rijnkaai 150, Antwerp